New York New York

My second memory of being pampered until I was swept into serenity was in New York New York in 2007. I was a senior in high school. It was only supposed to be a choir field trip, but it turned into much more. The first day we got to the big apple, we sang in honor of those who lost their lives in the 2001 taliban attack on the Twin Towers in the small church that sat opposite of ground zero. In the latter part of the week after touring our voices, we got the opportunity to explore the city. My sweet mother who tagged along as a chaperone (but mostly to spend time with me in the city) told me she had a surprise for me. We went promenading down the fashion district and stopped at a large grey building that looked like nothing more than an old factory turned into office space. We walked through hell’s kitchen to get to this hidden jewel. But for the life of me I cannot remember the name of this spa. Once inside the thick metal door we climbed a concrete staircase and after cautiously stepping down a long hallway not knowing if we were in the right space we entered an arch with silk draped in the corners we entered into this hidden oasis.  My mother and I both got sea weed body treatments. And after being pampered we ate lunch on a gorgeous garden patio overlooking the city.  Holding my mother’s hand she smiled at me and told me that privilege is a blessing and comes from hard work and perseverance. I have been working since that day to create a future filled with blessing for myself and others.  

Signing off,

XX Porcelian Girl