What three “gifts” would you give a 20-something if you were a “Forty-Godmother”? 40-something women share three things to help a 20-something get a head start on the confidence to make decisions that are right for themselves. No more woulda, coulda, shoulda.
Last night I was hanging out with some friends at an apartment on 7th Ave between 22nd and 23rd when we heard a loud explosion that shook the building and was much louder than the typical booms and bangs that are a part of living in New York City. Looking out the window we saw ten to fifteen people come running around the corner and down the street. But no sign of panic. We knew it was serious so we were amazed at the calm surrounding the scene. Even as fire trucks came up 7th Avenue the wrong way and every which direction, people were coming out the subway unaware of a what occurred around the corner and diners remained at restaurants along 7th Ave.
Neighbors were talking to each other out their windows and in the hallways, seeking information and solidarity. For some time, a quiet crowd convened at the corner of 23rd and 7th awaiting any news. Quiet and strong, the various police forces, firemen and first responders went about their job, clearing the immediate area and emanating a reserve of calm themselves.
Our host, like many these days, has Apple TV and watches from her Mac…so we had no TV to turn to as a group. I took to Twitter, which indeed confirmed a loud explosion in Chelsea, but then quickly turned to a stream of rumors and speculation.
Prior to the explosion, we had ordered some pizza — in true New York form — one from a gluten free restaurant and one full gluten option. We ventured down to get some on-the-ground intel and there came both pizzas, not letting the explosion get in the way of a delivery.
While a few friends texted to check in, once they found out we were okay, and relieved the host was not waiting out the situation alone, they quickly expressed the hope that we had some wine on hand.
Then more credible news sources started coming in…it was not a gas explosion, it was in a dumpster. Oddly, the first we heard of this was from friends in Ohio. After time they shut off the street at 22nd and we formed a strategy to all get home safely.
11pm last night.
It is a reminder of all the good parts of New York coming together. I was grateful to be with friends to weather this incident and to be an outlet for memories triggered of the other September tragedy we all shared.
This inspired my three wishes today. Simple but evergreen.
1. Be thankful for friends and reach out to them when you need them. Just being there is often enough.
2. Don’t trust everything you hear. Investigate, get sources and don’t ever underestimate your risk.
3. Make sure your girlfriends get home safe.