September 2005

New York, New York... the city that never sleeps.  Home to Frank Sinatra, Saturday Night Live, and my friend Melissa’s wedding.  Okay, so she actually lives in Goshen and the wedding was in some place near Goshen, but New York City gives everyone a frame of reference to go by.  Besides, I did manage a day-trip visit while was up there, so I feel quite justified in my mention of the Big Apple.

The reason for my visit: Melissa LaBella, friend for life, former rennie, dog lover, and one of the three fabulous LaBella sisters.  As charming and witty as they are beautiful, they have charmed both man and beast from coast to coast.

And now the middle sister has gone and gotten herself married.

 

With the fabulous LaBellas

The Rennie Coalition

Me with bride Melissa

It was a beautiful wedding, and definitely to be considered one of my favorites.  Even the photographer - who hung out "off the clock" after - said he had more fun at the Sly-LaBella wedding than at a friend’s the week before.  The groomsmen and their buddies were composed of mates from various bands; the bridesmaids and their friends were compiled from a who’s who list of rennies visiting from the far reaches of the continental US... these were some partying Mo-Fos!

The wedding itself was held on a Wednesday - most of the guests were frequent weekend workers - at the picturesque Glenmere Mansion.  This provided me and other visiting dignitaries the opportunity to do some sightseeing and socializing both before and after the illustrious event.

 

The wedding party

Pretty in Pink (we didn't plan this!)

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Sly

My first full day was spent walking the streets and riding the subways of none other than NYC.  I did some shopping (a must for yours truly, but then you already knew that) as well as some touristy stuff.  Most important to me was that I revisited the sight of the World Trade Center.

On my first visit to New York as an adult, I and my friends Sarina and Emo made an excursion to the WTC.  While there we walked around the plaza and peeked into one or more of the buildings.  I am very happy that I took the opportunity while I had it.  Being there again, seeing the empty pit surrounded by fencing here once there were buildings alive with the hustle and bustle of people from all over the world... .  I have a hard time putting what I felt into words, but let me just say that I was touched. The people lost there will not be forgotten.  Not by their families, not by their country, and not by me.

If you have the chance to visit the sight, do so. Form your own opinions when you do, but as an American you should go.  Reach out and touch - or be touched by - this generation’s catalyst that spurs us onward towards the actions that will define us for generations to come.

 

Ghost of the WTC

Somber memories

All Hail the Domestic Diva - Martha, we love you!

This journal is not about loss, and I don’t want to leave you with that sensation as my final note.  For me it is about friendship. It is about taking the time to enjoy those closest to us and reaching out to others who are farther away.  I love my Tortuga family; they both support me and hone me while I create and recreate the man that I am today.  For that I am ever grateful.  I have also been doubly and triply blessed with close friends from all over this country. Soon I will be spending time in the south of Spain - five to six weeks in December and January to be exact.  I am sure that I will cultivate close friendships even there, and that they, too, will become dear to me. I can’t help it; it is my way.

Hold close those near and dear to you.  If you do not have the time or the opportunity, make it!  It is your life after all and your choice what you do with it.  How will you be defined by the generations you leave behind? When all is said and done, what will be your... legacy?

 

Pyjama Party! (just before I got kicked back to my own bed