Everyone has one…that one love. The one who took hold of your heart the moment you met-and never let go. The one who made you fall fast and hard. The one who inspired you like no other. The one who ignited a spark in you that you never knew you had.

The one you never ever forgot about, even after you got married and had kids. THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE. Mine is one that I cannot talk to my husband about because he doesn’t understand it. He doesn’t share my love-how could he? He wasn’t there! I didn’t even know him yet. My kids can’t understand, because obviously they weren’t there either. But I am a better wife and mother because of it. Very few people in my life can really understand the love I still feel, yet millions of people share my love today; even strangers.  Because the love of my life is New York City.

I moved to Manhattan when I was thirty, with a clean slate, open mind and a big heart. I fell in love with the energy, the people, the delis, the accents, the taxis, the shows, the museums, the subways, and did I mention the people? I gave myself one year to experience the city, and that I did!  I had the time of my life and took advantage of everything the city had to offer. They say you aren’t really a “New Yorker” until you have lived there for ten years, and I suppose that's true. So I guess I am a poser, and not a true New Yorker. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love it any less.  It changed my life. When my year was coming to an end, I promised myself I would come back to California and try to figure out my life and settle down, yet I was so torn, and so in love with my new city. At that time I was living in the West Village. Every morning at around 8:30am I took a walk/jog along the Hudson River, then stop to get a Starbucks coffee in the North Tower of the World Trade center, and walk home, pondering what I was going to do in the next chapter of my life.  Sometimes I would stay there, take my coffee and lie down between the two towers and just look up at the awe-inspiring view.  They went on forever-into the clouds.  I loved doing that. I felt like those were the moments when I felt totally connected to the most spectacular city in the world.  I would lie there at the base of the towers and try to make decisions about my life. So…I decided to take a trip to Bali, to get clarity about the next decision or two. (There was a lot of deciding going on).

A few days after I left Manhattan, 9/11 happened. My heart was broken. But I cannot even imagine what true New Yorkers felt, and all the thousands of people who lost loved ones that day. I have heard and read so many stories over the past few days and it is unfathomable. Yet people everywhere seem to be inspired and are sharing a sense of love and community. People have found a way to find something positive in the wake of the most devastating events to have ever happened to our country. Everyone is emotional today, and reflecting on those who are special to them.  This is the power of the human spirit.
It’s been ten years since I left the love of my life: The one who continues to inspire and teach me. The one whom I love more than ever…especially today.