It’s 6 am. The wind is blowing, and everyone is sleeping. New Yorkers are huddled in their homes waiting for Hurricane Sandy to arrive! I realize that I have two rare hours to myself, and I have something I’d like to get off my chest.
Last night my husband and I stopped by the building of a NYC family that has been through a horrific tragedy this week to pay our respects. This young family lives just blocks away from my very own. As a mother, I felt the desire to bring flowers and to show my sincerest sympathy to this family.
Darren waited while I said a silent prayer in front of hundreds of flowers and plush stuffed animals brought by strangers, like myself, as a memorial to these young beautiful angels. After a moment, he joined me in the building lobby and put his arm around me in a moment of sadness and silence. I will never ever forget that moment. I just cannot imagine such a loss.
As we were getting into the car, a neighbor who was walking his dog came over to us and said, “I’m sorry, miss. Are you a family member?”
I replied, “No, we are just parents. I simply can’t believe all this.” This neighbor who personally knows the family shared some words of comfort with us. It was a touching moment with a stragner.
New Yorkers have a way about us. It’s times like these that we really come together. We spoke to him briefly, and he shook my hand after. Respect for and compassion from one another, especially in the face of inexplicable grief, is a recipe that builds trust and community. We are in a big city and must always remain alert, independent, and prepared, but parents share a strong connection that can be felt even in moments when words do not exist.
I distinctly remember the strangeness of the city after 9/11. The air somehow changed. I recall the fear of not knowing what would be next. I remember the strength of community in the face of loss. Since then, New Yorkers just make a nod to show their support and that they understand the situation.
With deepest sympathy and prayers for this beautiful NYC family. We are so terribly sorry for your loss and pain.
Sha & Dr. Darren K Pollack
DASHA® wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com
