Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge

Aerial Manhattan

My friend Z, who had recently moved to NYC, enthusiastically told us that we must walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan, so one morning before Emma awakened, we took the subway to Brooklyn, where we met up with Z.

Z had packed some delicious cookies he had finished baking at 3 in the morning, and we again veered from low carb to enjoy the treats.

Twin Towers 9/11/01

It was a beautiful sunny morning, and as we strolled across the bridge toward Manhattan, we were indeed overwhelmed by the view.  What a magnificent skyline, with the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and other high rise edifices standing proudly.  Sadly missing were the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, destroyed as part of the villanous attack of nine years ago to the day.

Statue of Liberty

In the harbor, there stood the Statue of Liberty, "Lady Liberty" as Z, who had immigrated from Soviet-era Hungary, calls her.  His own journey from a land of restricted freedom to America is an inspiration.  To give his lovely young wife and two small children a better life, he defected, and found himself in an immigant camp in Italy, working menial jobs and hoping to be sponsored by someone from America. 

Emma and Grandpa Z

He became friends with a man who made it to America, and because Z was a gregarious guy who spoke English, this friend chose him to sponsor from among dozens of others vying for the opportunity.  He worked hard, and after about five lonely years, he was able to bring his family to join him.  One of those sons grew up to graduate from UCLA and then earn a Master's in education. 

Icon of the American Dream: Emma

That son, Laszlo, now is a popular teacher at a public high school in New York City, and he is the husband of my daughter Gina.  Our beautiful granddaughter Emma is another great symbol of the American Dream.