Dear New York City,
Napoleon Bonaparte once wrote to his wife, “I thought that I loved you months ago, but since my separation from you I feel that I love you a thousand fold more.” While this may be a slight bit dramatic, I have to say it makes me think of you.
I am so sorry for taking 20 years to write this letter, but even after 20 years I do not think I have found all the right words to say. I am sorry that for the last 20 years I have taken advantage of you and somehow, someway, I have managed to overlook how absolutely beautiful you are. I feel bad for walking your streets and taking for granted how great you have been to me and I cannot believe that it took me leaving for school to realize it.
While I could go on and on and on about how much I love you, it is hard to pinpoint exactly why. It could be the fact that you allow us to get food and drinks wherever, whenever (or at least until 4 a.m.), but I swear it is more than that.
I am enchanted by the unknown that sits on each block and by the idea that something unimaginable is never too far away. Everyday you present us with the idea that adventure is out there and anything is possible, and for that I thank you.
I am sorry that it took me leaving for school to realize how much you have inspired me. I never realized that growing up in the city has reinforced that not only is anything possible, but there really is no dream too small. I love waking up to the possibility and knowing that I am capable of doing something powerful and amazing.
I know sometimes I drift away but I promise, New York City, you will always have a piece of my heart.
x Sam