My trip to New York City with my daughter, Marissa and granddaughter, Christina was among the ones I will treasure throughout my lifetime or what is left of it. It was distinctly a celebration filled with the "deepest joys of the goodness of God, the fullest measures of His love and the richest treasures of His grace."
It was two-fold in its significance:
Firstly, Diana, Marissa's daughter and my eldest grandchild, graduated from St. John's Catholic University as Magna Cum Laude. What an honor! I was bursting with immense joy and bellowing pride that only a grandmother can fully feel yet be miserably inept to articulate.
It was the same feeling that overwhelmed me when in September 23, 1903, Diana sang the National Anthem at the "A's" game at the Oakland Coliseum before 21,000 people. She was four years old. She was awarded the privilege after winning First Place in the Kid Category of the contest sponsored by Oakland "A's" whereby 600 aspirants applied. Her performance was well documented in San Francisco and other county newspapers and video clipped in most TV newscasts. Excerpts from newspaper reports said,"...a little girl, 4 years old, Diana Oblena Chan, wearing a poodle skirt walked out into the field to the wonder of over 21,000 people who came to watch the Oakland "A's" face the Kansas City Royals on a warm, cloudless day perfect for baseball. She belted out a rousing "Star Spangled Banner" acappella without any faltering hesitations in between. She even nailed the "Free" at the end that terrifies so many singers and tests the best of nerves." Incidentally, the "A's" won the game that day. By design, my praise and thankgsgiving to our Lord soared to high heavens!
It was the same feeling that overwhelmed me when the Class of 2003 of the Holy Spirit Catholic School had Diana as Valedictorian. The substance of her address and the delivery that was verbatim drew so much appreciative comments from both faculty and visitors alike. In fact, I experienced the same exuberant joy when I witnessed the Grade VIII graduations of Joshua, Christina, Michael, Christian and Tiffany Anne. And I am certain that if I would still be around when Melanie Mary finishes her elementary schooling, an overflow of emotions would envelope me! Somehow
Secondly, I consider my being able to witness the college graduation of my grandchild at age 80, a very rare gift from our Lord. Praise God! He has given me such a "good" life for which I am day-by-day grateful! The extended years with my family has been providing many opportunities to enjoy the company of loved ones especially my grandchildren in travels abroad to places which I have visited. It has become almost an obsession for me to travel with my family to places of cultural and historic interests but most notably to sites of religious importance to our Catholic faith. I like to leave them a "Legacy of Faith!"
The wonderful New York sojourn would not have been possible without the magnanimous welcome of Stacey, Barney's brother to his well-appointed penthouse in the opulent Jamaica Estates of the city. It is a charming place complete with the artistry and meticulous taste of a young bachelor. Stacey's two healthy, well-behaved cats complete the lovely setting. The commanding view from the terrace is breathtaking! Somehow, my communion with God during the twilight hours assumed a distinctly greater impact in depth and intimacy. I cannot thank Stacey enough for his generosity!
A visit to Times Square is a must to a visitor in New York for both first-timers and perrenial visitors. The lure of the busy place vibrant with tourists of a myriad race, creed and color along with the giant ads emblazoned with hundreds of multicolored lights leave nothing to be desired. Just sitting on the Red Steps and "watching the world go by" was an interesting pastime.
Diana took us to a known celebrity hang-out called, "Carnegie Deli," where the walls were completely plastered with pictures of celebrities in the movies, media, etc eaating their foot-tall sandwich oozing with several ounces or pounds of tender steak. Just to see it set before you makes your mouth water. Oh, so tender and juicy, indeed! But a sandwich cost $22 a piece!
We were lucky to enjoy a Flea Market Sunday right on a NYstreet covering several blocks. Merchandise of every conceivable kind were on display to taunt every purse-string. Makeshift foodshops lined the streets each appealing to native tastes of the visitors and curious locals from the Middle East, Mexico, Asia and Europe. It was somehow surprising to see long queues form toward especial eating booths. Man's hunger pangs can become almost insatiable, indeed!
Marissa, Diana and Christina invited me to go to New Jersey to see the setting of the TV show, "The Cake Boss," but I declined the invitation. I felt I could find better use of my time. Ehem! But I enjoyed the pastries they brought back and the stories of the crowd of tourists in the place. Imagine having a security guard to limit the number of patrons entering the bakery!
The trip to New York was a most exhilarating experience, too!
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