Liberty Up Close...(snippet)

We must’ve been having a great time because I hadn’t noticed the distance we covered. Over the music the DJ announced, “The Statue of Liberty is just outside for anybody who wants to take a picture!” I looked out the window where I had seen it before, but couldn’t see anything. I walked around to the other side, and still saw nothing. Finally I walked up to the row of windows at the front of the ship and there she was, just a few feet away. I gasped. I was caught off guard completely at the majesty of it. I looked around quickly, hoping nobody was watching me and thankfully, no one was. They were all jumping around, beers or drinks in one hand, the other raised in a pumping fist shouting, “USA! USA! USA!” I peeked out the window again, hoping for the same effect as the first glance. I twirled around and told my friend that I wanted a picture and we hurried upstairs to the balcony.

We stepped outside and there she was, bigger than life, holding that torch I had seen millions of times in photos and in movies. It was like I could reach out and touch her we were so close. Emotions caught in my throat I just looked up and stared as we slowly coasted by. I didn’t hear the music or see the other people that were out there snapping pictures. I was transfixed. I snapped a few pictures myself and my friend took a couple of pictures too, which made me feel less of a tourist. We went back downstairs, and I find myself fighting back tears. Tears? Where was this coming from? I’m grateful for the darkness and loud music because I couldn’t explain this. I didn’t want to explain it. My friend was talking to me, but I don’t remember what she was saying. I finally yell back, “I can’t believe I’m so emotional about seeing the Statue of Liberty!” She put her hand on my shoulder, a reassuring sign that she understood and wasn’t judging. We stand there and a few minutes watching the others dance and we’re laughing and dancing, but I’m still thinking about her; Lady Liberty.

My friend went back to the dance floor and I sat on the window sill watching, still full f emotion. I turned to look out the window, and there she was again, on my side. The ship had turned around and I didn’t even realize. I stood up and leaned against the window, watching her. My friend had come back and was talking to me and realizing I was caught up she said laughing, “I’m sorry, I’ll let you have your moment.” I laughed back and told her I was fine, “I don’t want your co-workers thinking I’m a sloppy drunk.” We both laugh and turn back to look out the window. Shocked that I’m this emotional, and more surprised that it’s effecting me this way. I was proud. In that moment a surge of content pride swept over me. I thought about the lives that had been sacrificed for me to stand there. I thought about the marches, the strikes, the beatings, and the silent suffering that went on so that I could walk, work, and live freely. All things I had taken for granted.

In that moment I realized just how blessed I am to live here, with all that I have. Yes, our government is corrupt and gas prices are out of control. Groceries are expensive and rents are unaffordable, but I am here. Free.