What a wonderful day! The weather was beautiful, Aaron was with me… it just couldn’t have been better. We started the day with a costume fitting in Chelsea at Studio Rouge. We were right in the middle of some type of video shoot – movie maybe? They were preparing to set up, and I loved the fact that no one was phased by it. It reminded us of days in Nashville, Tennessee. When you’re in a creative town, people are accustomed to these types of creative activities. I like that, and it’s something we miss in Indy. The fitting was quick and easy: I tried on a couple pair of tap shorts (very cute and period) and my black tap pants for “I Love A Piano.” Those were very cool! Let’s hope I have more costumes hiding somewhere… ha! We stopped for a smoothie after the fitting and headed south. We even used the right subway and were on the right car to get off at the South Ferry. We walked through Battery Park, took pictures of the Statue of Liberty and enjoyed the afternoon. I wanted to take Aaron to The World Trade Center, because when I went last spring, I was very moved – having never been there. Well, today was so special for us. We stumbled upon a small “museum” of sorts that paid tribute to the events that happened on September 11th. It was $10 each, so I was a little skeptical as to whether I wanted to pay the fee. But, we did, and we both left changed. I have to say that it is highly likely that I have not ever been moved like I was moved today. Reading the words of the people, watching video footage of the days surrounding the most tragic event of my lifetime and seeing some of the remains: firemen outfits that had been literally ripped off of rescuers, work IDs, keys, money, a charred and melted airplane window, a steel remnant from one of the towers, pictures and pictures of those that perished that day. It was very emotional. I think what really got to me was listening to a guide tell stories of people whose pictures were on the wall, and as she told us of these heroes, she told us the story of her son (one of the firefighters who did not make it out). She got choked up as she shared her own personal story, and I lost it. It was such an overwhelming experience today, and I recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about that day. For example, that the top of the 110 story buildings came down in just over 10 seconds – traveling over 1000 miles per hour. She even told us of a priest helping another person who was killed by a civilian that jumped from one of the windows trying to escape the building. Or how about the couple that moved their flight one hour earlier that morning so they could get home quicker, and by moving the flight, they never made it home. We got a real lesson in fate today, and no matter what you believe, I think you walk away with a sense of knowing that when it is your time, it is your time. We might as well live life to the fullest every day, because you cannot escape your life path. Anyway, don’t want to leave the blog on a sad note, but I did want to share my meaningful afternoon. Following this, we headed back to midtown (even navigating the subway well). We were very tired. We came back for a quick nap, because tonight was the evening we had complimentary tickets to see the Broadway Production of IN THE HEIGHTS. We LOVED it! I have to say that I think one of the actors may have been ill, so not singing very strongly, and another seemed a little flat in places. So while there were a few individuals that did not give strong performances, and some understudies filling in this evening, we absolutely loved the lead!! He was phenomenal. It was a very different experience – rapping and hip hop dancing. Enjoyed the cleverness of the cell phone scene, where the actors use the light of their cell phones to look for one another. Fun! It was emotional toward the end, as well. Even Aaron felt it. I probably shouldn’t have worn my heels to the show, because my ankle became aggravated on the way home. All in all, today was a better day for “the foot.” The swelling has gone down substantially and the pain is not as severe. I have been taking Advil regularly and icing as best I can. I would also say it has been getting rest (as compared to 8 hour rehearsal days). Aaron was so sweet tonight; he knew I was hurting on the way home. He offered to stop and get some flip flops for me so I could make it back. He’s out right now getting us dinner, since we couldn’t stop after the show like we wanted to. I have the best husband ever. Oh, and we also got a dinner invitation for Wednesday night – more to come on that – so it’s highly likely that Aaron is going to move his flight to later. I so wish he could just stay, but even one more night is better than nothing. So overall, what a beautiful day that I was so blessed to have!
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Your experience at the World Trade Center Site reminded me of how I felt when I went to DC and saw the VietNam Wall. Finding my uncle’s name on the wall and later reading about his final secret mission was very moving. He was considered MIA for so many years until his “remains” were returned to the U.S. He believed in a free world as most of us do. The World Trade Center tragedy challenged our freedom. Regardless of what any of us think about the day in and day out struggles, there is still no greater nation that offers so much to so many. Your own personal story is proof of the reward that comes from hard work. Only in America!
Thanks for sharing your touching experience.