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It's Quiet in My Corner of New York City

I had a day of fun and errands planned for today, and for the most part that is how the day went for me. I was in the audience at The Chew this morning, treated myself to coffee out and then took the bus to Michael's. It was quiet at Michael's and I happily browsed the card supplies. My next stop was Whole Foods and I relished the relative quiet of being there at noon on a weekday. I floated through the aisles and the short line to check out my groceries. I had a fruit cup and enjoyed seeing a table of new mothers and their sweet babies. But at the same time I checked CNN and answered messages from friends who worried about my proximity to the explosion in East Harlem.

I saw an ambulance or two, but not a swarm of them. There was no entourage of police cars or fire trucks, just a few taxis and cars.  Only two miles away from the explosion this was the scene.

There was one lone taxi...

...and the usual afternoon dog walkers.

From these placid scenes it's hard to imagine that hell that was only two miles away. Here there was no smoke, no fire, no sirens. Only two miles away from the explosion it was just a relatively warm March afternoon, with school buses soon to arrive.  Not so different from September 11. It took more than a few miles then to lose the scent of smoke, but on that day five miles took me from hell to a beautiful late summer day.     

I had a post set for today, but real life has pushed it off until tomorrow. Pesky real life. Though days and weeks now go by and I almost forget about September 11. Not completely, but enough to push it way to the back of my consciousness. Then pesky real life and sirens and explosions happen just a few miles from home.

I am grateful, very grateful, that it is quiet in my corner of New York City. I am praying for those injured, those still missing and those who lost their homes. I grieve for those who died.

Wishing you all quiet, peace and safety.

23 comments

Familyofthree said...

Glad to hear you're safe in your little corner of the world my friend!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I'm so thankful that you are safe and sound. I saw the news on TV just now and thought of you because you are the only person I know in NYC. Thank you for letting us know you are ok. I too will be praying for all those affected by the explosion.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm glad you are safe, too. It's so interesting to see your photos! Brings us close together I think! Enjoy your evening my friend! Hugs!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So happy to hear you are safe and sound!!!

Linda said...

I had wondered how close you were as well..so glad you are safe and sound. Blessings (and welcome back!!!)

Melinda said...

Quiet is good. Sounds like
you had a wonderful day.

We saw the incident on the news
and it reminde me of last year
when we had a similar incident
when a well known restaurant
exploded on the Plaza.

Blessings and prayers for all involved.

M : )

Nellie said...

Such disturbing news, Buttercup. It is a relief to know you are safe. Prayers for all those who have been affected.

TARYTERRE said...

I am glad you are safe and sound. Prayers go out to those who aren't.

Anonymous said...

So thankful for you letting us know you are safe. Through blogging, we know people all over the country now.

Mevely317 said...

What perspective! I appreciate your writing to let us know you're safe!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i would have never thought of New York as quiet. interesting. ( :

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I'm glad you are OK. So sad for those who died. We never know when something like this will happen. It's comforting to think about the connections we all have with each other.

The Cranky said...

I'm so glad to read you're safe, and grieve with you for those who weren't quite so fortunate.

Simple Home said...

So sorry to hear about the explosion today. I'm glad to hear that you're well.
Blessings,
Marcia

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Glad you were not in that area of Manhattan today, Carol! Non New Yorkers do not realize how big NYC is and the many many miles of streets along the tall and skinny borough of Manhattan. The news of the explosion was very sad to hear--my heart goes out to the victims and families of those that were killed and injured.

I still have nightmares from 9-11, as most New Yorker's do. The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs had jets flying maneuvers overhead this past weekend, and I got a knot in my stomach as that sound reminds me of 9-11. I guess we all suffer from PTSD in one way or another :(

Wasn't the Chew fun to see? The day I went to a taping were were gifted with Carla's yummy cookies!

Sola Scriptura said...

I was so sad to hear about the explosion. I'm glad that you are safe and enjoyed a quiet day out yesterday.

Living in the In Between said...

No words, Carol. Just know I'm praying for you and your neighbors.

Theresa said...

I saw it on TV, SO SAD:( Have a blessed and safe day dear friend, HUGS!

GardenOfDaisies said...

Oh no! I hadn't seen the news... not more people hurt! :-( So glad for quiet places where there is no "news" to report!

Paula said...

Thank God you are safe! Prayers for the victims. What caused the explosion?

Susie said...

Buttercup, I am glad you are safe. I feel sad for the loss of lives. What a scary thing to happen. Praying for those who have lost loved ones and their homes. Please take care , xoxo,Susie

Ida said...

Oh my I wasn't on the Internet much yesterday so I had no clue about this happening. Didn't even watch the news last night. I am so sorry to hear that more violence like this took place. It is indeed a scary world in which we live. Thoughts and prayers to everyone involved.

Annesphamily said...

Tragedy is sad when loss of life is involved and loss of ones home. Such sadness. I remember as a kid my dad's T.V. guy who repaired televisions lived next door to a little widow woman. She went to California to visit her family and her home exploded. It just burst into a pile of rubble and no one was hurt. Thank God. It was a gas leak. Gosh, that was a really long time ago and all I know is God exists as that could have been a lot worse. I believe that lot is still empty to this very day!