December 5, 2021
They say the UNIVERSE always has a PLAN. You just may not recognize the PLAN until things start coming together. It’s then, that you realize just how long the PLAN has been in motion for.
As a kid, one of my families Thanksgiving traditions was to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every year, we would watch in amazement as the giant balloons would be paraded through the streets of NYC. I remember watching the Rockettes in their kickline and gorgeous costumes, clowns with their colorful smiles waving to the crowds and the fantastic floats and marching bands filling the streets with music. I remember sitting there in front of the television wishing I could be a part of the behind the scenes preparation. It was so magical!!!
As the years went on, my love for anything behind the scenes grew. Especially my love for photography. Maybe it was because my dad had a camera in my sisters and my face, capturing every step we made from birth. My parents bought me my first camera. I still have it to this day. That camera solidified my love for creativity and the “behind the scenes” projects that would have me being the high school and college photographer, editor of my college year books, writing my own book and creating books for my kids filled with memories of their time in sports and activities. The CAMERA. It is a fabulous hobby. Something I need to pickup again because I ALWAYS use my cell phone camera!!!
When I graduated college, I had degree in Communications and my first love was still behind the scenes work. In fact, the first resume I sent out was to the Macy’s Studio. If ever there was behind the scenes work to be done close to my New Jersey roots, that was the place!!! I probably still have my letter to them somewhere on a floppy disc but sadly, I didn’t get the job and moved to Cleveland.
So, you may be wondering how does this all tie in with the UNIVERSE and it’s PLAN. Let’s fast forward a bit. While traveling to North Carolina for a soccer tournament with my daughter, I found my future goal….Balloon Chase Crew. There was a van driving next to us clearly stating they were “chase crew”. If you are not aware, they are the behind the scenes crew who set up and pack up Hot AIR Balloons. If you have never been in one, I highly recommend it!! But that wasn’t all. I also wanted to climb the stairs of the Empire State Building, so I started climbing stairs in the stairwells of buildings, again behind the scenes and yes, I did eventually climb the stairs of the Empire State Building TWICE and even joined a team who climbs stairs around the world when they can — TOWERMASTERS. I have made some pretty cool step sib friends!! They even let me hang with them even though I am much slower than they are!!! I appreciate all of you!!!
Which brings me back to realizing there is ALWAYS a PLAN. For the past three and a half or so years, I have met many people. They ALL have a very special spot in my heart. There is ONE person who has an extra special spot. He is a behind the scenes kind of guy. He loves photography. He’s a balloon pilot in the Macy’s Parade. He's a stair climber too!!! Seems like part of a PLAN to me. I remember on a stair climbing trip to Dallas, my teammate saying to me “Are you in love?” I just smiled and she said “You are!!”. It was that very weekend that I knew I was In love with this man. I had a disappointing finish to the race and he found me crying outside, wrapped his arms around me and told me it was going to be OK, to remember what I had just accomplished. It was a vertical mile stair race!! That moment, I knew. Of course, he may consider me a PITA, but I know it’s in the most endearing way. I love his sense of humor, fits mine perfectly!!! He has shown me so many FIRSTS—-first Tour of Philly, first Hot Air Balloon ride, first time in the Macy’s Day Parade, first time at the Macy’s Studio are JUST a few. He has opened my eyes to things I never imagined I would ever experience, taught me new ways to do things that are easier but also economically smarter. He makes me laugh, sing, smile and I can just be MYSELF.
The UNIVERSE had a PLAN a long time ago for us, we just didn’t know it then. To this day, I can’t believe my dream of the Macy’s Parade and the Studio finally came true, my goal of being part of balloon chase crew has been reached and I climb stairs and have adventures with someone who has captured my heart and makes me smile everyday!!! I Love You! ❤️
Thank you UNIVERSE for the PLAN.
OH!!! One more thing, I’ll always be GLINDA!!! …. 😊
TO BE CONTINUED …..
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