Well our family vacation is over and we are back home. I had a lot of time to reflect while we drove our 13 hour trip home. We had a blast. I will post pictures soon, that is as soon as I can locate my cord to the camera. If I had to say what I liked the most it would be hard to say. Of course I loved the city, and I don't have enough time to explain how much I loved Central Park, but I think what I enjoyed the most is the area we stayed. We didn't stay in Manhattan, we stayed in Woodside which was somewhat residential. I loved the small family shops, deli and coffee shops. Just a few stops over was Sunnyside where we made daily stops for Sweet tea from McDonald's and walked the nearby shops. I loved the markets where we bought fresh fruit and could buy all kinds of fresh food and breads. It was wonderful. Our daily diet consisted of pizza and my personal favorite chicken and rice from a cart located under the subway stop.
I enjoyed not driving, but wow we sure did walk alot. I think at one point we walked a mile from the Central park zoo to the Museum. Of course we took time to stop and sit on the giant rocks in the park. Matthew really enjoyed it. He and Patrick played some football while Cheredith and I laid in the grass. We had so much fun. Central Park Zoo was amazing. I loved how all the animals there where so interactive with the people. It amazed me. The only disappointment there was that it was to hot for the polar bear. I really wanted to see it.
I loved walking the city. It was amazing to see so many sights. The Chelsea market was wonderful and I could have spend all day there. It was filled with so many different things from food, clothes, and art. Also Union Square was amazing. Fresh fruits, veggies and cheese. Also it was located by a Whole Food Market, which I loved and would shop there ALL the time if I lived there. Great quality food and good prices. We also took the Staten Island Ferry witch was a great way to see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of NYC. We spent some time in Brooklyn and it was beautiful. I was humbled to walk by the new Freedom Tower and walk by the sights that where changed forever on September 11th. I was so humbled. The emotion there and at the Pentagon are still so raw and open. Every night you could see the Freedom Tower glowing in the night skyline from our hotel room. It was a beautiful reminder of how strong the City is and how strong of a country we are.
I think of all the things that I experienced seeing my two kids who, seem to struggle some days with everyday life be, well, kids. I'm not sure really how else to explain it. Anyone that spends much time with us has seen the ridged schedule we keep. No matter where we are Matthews need for order, structure and rules dictates our life's. I see it more on some days then others but his autism stands out alot. I saw not Matthew my son with High Functioning Autism, but I saw Matthew my carefree son. It still brings tears to my eyes to have been blessed with a few days with such a carefree spirit. Full of adventure and jokes. Even his language was different. I miss that side of him. I am afraid that side of my son stayed in the city. I thank God for giving me a chance to visit with him. Who knows maybe we can get him back here. He played ninja while waiting on the subway, we was independent and carefree. A leader and taking in all the knowledge that the city could give.
Most conversations that Cheredith and I had consisted of how she wants to move there and attend NYU. I know that she loves to dance, cheer and have fun with friends but I have never seen her light up like she does when she talks about her future. She has already contacted Autism Speaks in NYC to see what kind of education she needs to go into the field to help those who have Autism. She loved what she saw of NYU's campus and I can't blame her. It was great to see her smile so much.
Of course Patrick was happy, he was home. He fit in with all the locals, even having tourist asking him where to go and what subway to take. After countless stores and who knows how many miles walking we finally found his favorite drink, Dr. Browns black cherry soda on our last night there. I loved seeing him so at peace. Overall this was a great trip that has blessed me and my family with so much. I came back with glimpses of who they are and I much better understanding of God and his love. I was constantly thinking of how he has brought my family through so much and even when you don't know you need it He gives just what you needed the most, HOPE.
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