Merry Christmas

Well I completed my number one wish on my Bucket list and make my trip to New York City. It was a dream come true with a little hitch it rained the whole time we were in NYC. It was horrible but God was watching over us because very few got sick from all the soaked clothes and cold rain. In essence we took a bus tour of NYC because we couldn't get out and walk around much. It was so cool to be on Broadway and see the musical 'Mama Mia', then see Time Square all lit up I was in awe the whole trip just kept pinching myself to see if it was real. We got soaked on the ferry trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty but it was so surreal. The above picture is of the tree at Rockefeller Center, I think everyone should go to NYC at least once in their life to see the amazing sights.

Now for the most amazing thing that happened! The 911 Memorial is still under construction along with the towers but this was a special part of my trip because I've worn a 911 ring for almost 10 years as a remembrance of the lives lost. The above photo is of the South Pool and although it was pouring down rain I got this awesome photo of the depth this pool is. Here's my epiphany: After being at the Memorial park and walking all around to the museum, the North and South pools and shaking hands with all the officers that were on duty there I listened to the 911 host talk about the Survivor Tree. Then our group dispersed and was told to meet at the exit in 30 to exit. I walked up to the South Pool bent down and put my hands in the water. I said a short prayer for all the victims and survivors then stood up to see the name 'Maynard' lite on the marble. For those of you who don't know Maynard is my maiden name so to see it was just shocking. I stood there and started to cry, then I turned and found the 911 host right behind me. I explained what just happened and he asked if I wanted a crayon marking of the name. Well I did of course and we huddled around the area in the rain and he showed me how to crayon it. I then hugged him and went to the exit to await my group. Long story short after introducing myself to the 8 officers and security I waited for over 30 minutes and never saw one person of the 51 from my group. To make a long story short security came up to me and asked if I was Jeanine DuBose after acknowledging it he escorted me down the ramp and out of the Memorial to meet up with the tour leader. Nancy exclaimed 'I'm so happy to see you I thought something had happened to you I thought you'd gotten lost.' I said 'Lost I'm not lost I was waiting for you right where you said to meet'. She said they did a head count and thought everyone was there until they got on the bus and my roommate spoke up and said I was missing. Well I'm fine I'm sorry someone couldn't count right and I'm sorry I caused so much commotion but really I was never lost. I have since come home and researched Keithroy Maynard to find out he was a 33 year old Firefighter lost in the rescue. This was such a awesome trip and I was thrilled to have fulfilled my lifelong dream of going back to NYC.

God bless to all of you and have a very wonderful holiday season.

Jeanine