A Letter to My Daughters
by Starsinger
In the mid 1980s I made two trips with my Dad to New York City. On these trips we "A Chorus Line" on Broadway and we visited the World Trade Center. Much of this story covers what I remember of those trips, and what I remember of that horrible day over six years ago. No, still don't own these characters.
Moira and Ilyana:
When I was fifteen, my father took me to see New York City. I guess he decided since I lived so close, I might as well see it on his terms. It was an amazing city. First, we took the train into the city. It seemed like it took hours! It didn't, but eventually, we ended up under Grand Central Station. How could I forget that? It was huge, shops and people everywhere! So many different languages, I remember stopping and listening to one elderly lady teaching someone numbers in another language. It sounded vaguely Spanish, but I suddenly realized it was Italian!
As we ventured out of the building a vast array of sights and smells hit me. Hot dog vendors and street performers seemed to almost compete for attention as we ventured down the street. We stopped by a booth and Dad disappeared. A few minutes later he emerged with tickets for "A Chorus Line". He was taking me to see a Broadway Show!
We walked a few blocks more and found ourselves at a pair of very tall buildings. I looked up and took a picture, looking straight up the building. We entered and I asked my Dad if we were going to see the Statue of Liberty. He smiled at me and told me that the Old Lady was undergoing repairs, but we could see her from where we were going. The concourse of the building was beautiful. My Dad told me that this was one of the Towers of the World Trade Center, and that we were going to the roof.
Sure enough, at the top of this building was a viewing platform. As I looked out I saw the Statue of Liberty, and took a picture. I took many pictures that day, one of the skyline, the Chrysler building standing proudly in the distance. The boats in the harbor looked tiny from our perspective. My dad even took a picture of me, the wind playing with my hair.
Seeing the musical topped off the day. It was absolutely marvelous. I went back to school, telling my friends of my marvelous adventures in the Big Apple. They hoped that some day they too could see a Broadway Show.
I slept in on September 11. I had a late class that day, and thought nothing of it. It was just a lazy day, but I dreamed. I dreamed that I was suddenly covered in gray dust and I was terrified. Terrified and running very fast. I awoke with a start, Lockheed whimpered in my ear. I nudged him awake and turned on the television. The South Tower had just collapsed.
I sat on the edge of my bed, stunned. Lockheed came over, and nudged my hand. I stroked him, needing the comfort as much as he did. I couldn't believe it, our world had changed. Everything that we knew before was gone; nothing would ever be the same again.
That was six years ago, we're still at war. The man responsible for this terrible event is still at loose in the world, but I am no longer alone. Your father has come back into my life, and you have joined our lives. So many people died that day, but with each new birth, each new life, there is always hope.
I love you.
Your Mother,
Kitty