I can't remember if I mentioned this, but my dad is a U.S. Citizen. As a result, although I grew up in the UK, I personally identify myself as being American, even though I have not received State approval.
Those of you who have been reading my blogs for a while may recall that my grandmother passed away last September, less than a month after her 100th birthday. She lived on 93rd and West End Avenue, on New York's Upper West Side. I visited her number of times and was last there in January 2002 - I was unfortunately unable to make it to her levaya (funeral).
I have always felt at home in New York. I love the city - the buzz, the pace, generally the atmosphere. When I went there with my parentsa while back, my father took me to the places that he had grown up in. I finally saw the area that moulded and developed him and it made me understand my father all the more as a result. It was a very special trip.
I'm delighted to report that my parents will be going to the US in late October. The best news is that both Dassi and I will be tagging along. To be more precise, they will be going at that time so that Dassi and I can go with (we're both off school).
I'm really excited about the trip. The raison-d'être is to see my Grandmother's headstone, so no doubt the experience will be tinged with some sadness.Most of all, I see this as an opportunity to strengthen my relationship with my eldest daughter. Hadassah and I are quite similar in nature and as result, our personalities clash. Often.
I'm hoping that our time together will allow us to build on our relationship, without the presence of the other kids. There will be strained moments as there are always are, but I really do want us to come back as a stronger father and daughter unit.
I don't know yet how the holiday plans will pan out, but just the thoughts of taking my daughter to the US fills me with such excitement, I want to go now!
As I said at the start, I'm an American and I can't wait to get back "Home" (aside from my ultimate home, which is Israel).
Friday 22 July 2005
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2 comments:
For some reason I had it in my head that you were a new yorker... which is why I was so sur[rised to learn you lived in london!
Rachael,
You couldn't have given me a greater compliment, even if you tried, so thank you.
Athena,
Thank you. It's the warm attitude of people like you and Rachael who make me want to make the US my home.
My fellow Americans are SO friendly!!! G-d bless America.
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