Our trip to New York City was truly one of those experiences that I know I will look back on for the rest of my life. While the NDSS Buddy Walk and seeing Kay’s picture in Times Square were the reason we made the trip, New York ended up giving us so many memories beyond the events themselves.
There was something so special about simply getting to experience New York. We rode the subway, which definitely came with a learning curve and a few moments of “okay…where are we actually going?” But we figured it out! We walked what felt like approximately a million steps a day, which I’m pretty sure is more walking than I have ever voluntarily done in my entire life. We ate pizza in New York because obviously you cannot go to NYC and not have pizza, enjoyed gelato, saw the sights, wandered around Times Square, and took in all the little pieces of the city that make New York what it is.
But one of my favorite parts of the entire trip happened in the days leading up to the Buddy Walk. Everywhere we went, we would randomly see families who were just like ours. A child with Down syndrome here, another family there, and somehow there was always an instant connection. People would smile, wave, say hi, and acknowledge each other as we passed. There was no explanation needed. We just knew.
That feeling was something I don’t think I could have fully understood until experiencing it in person. In our everyday life, we don’t necessarily see other families like ours everywhere we go. In New York, especially during Buddy Walk weekend, it felt like we were surrounded by our people.
And then there was the Buddy Walk itself, seeing Kay’s picture in Times Square, and getting to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves. It was incredible, but honestly, the entire trip was incredible. From the big moments to the completely ordinary ones, I am so grateful we got to experience it all.
I know this will most likely be a once in a lifetime opportunity for us, and I don’t take that for granted for even a second. I am so thankful for everyone who helped make this trip possible and for all of the people who supported Kay along the way.
New York gave us memories we will carry with us forever, and I am so grateful we got to experience a little piece of what makes NYC, NYC.