New York Saved My Life

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, my father fell ill. I grew up in a small town in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where I rode horses and didn’t pay much attention to the suburban lifestyle around me. I took my first trip to NYC in the mid-90s when I was in my 20s. My first job was as an Administrative Assistant for a large railroad corporation with old money, and a suite in the Waldorf Astoria Towers. No one would believe me now if I told them, but there I was, in my twenties, staying in one of the most beautiful hotels in NYC for free. I’d invite some friends, hop on a bus, and take a cab to the hotel from the PABT. Upon arriving at the special entrance to the Tower, I’d be greeted by the concierge by name. The bellhop would take our things and meet us at the suite, where a special arrangement of fruit or pastries awaited on the dining room table with a welcome card bearing my name. At that time, I knew little about big cities, but I knew this was no suburbia. There was an energy here, and it was addicting. <a href="https://medium.com/@ravenscallandconjure/new-york-saved-my-life-8ffb5be6c6d2">Learn More</a>