1. "I've wanted to go see that my whole life"...and
2. "What are you, crazy? Who would go through such madness?"
For whatever reason, I've always been in the first category. My entire life I've watched in my pajamas, the smell of turkey throughout the house, dreaming of the chance to one day witness it all in person.
The chance finally arrived and we bundled our North Carolina selves up for the cold New York weather with the hopes of an experience of a lifetime.
We couldn't have known how far it would've exceeded our expectations. If you're in the first group, the ones who want to go...do it. In our wildest dreams, we couldn't believe how much fun it was. To be there, to be really there with the colors, music from your home - Ohio University Band, laughter, people around you and parade right in front of you feels almost surreal as though you're watching a Miracle on 34th Street, but you're actually there. It was impossible not to pinch yourself at the sight of the floats, balloons and memories you've held close your entire life as they pass by. Then to be lucky enough to stand with some of the nicest New Yorkers on earth and amazed as others from the parade approach throughout the route, high fiving, covering you with confetti, cheering and celebrating the day of thanks.
It was a dream come true.
So, if you're like us and have any part of you that one day hopes to see it, I promise you, go. It'll be a day you'll never forget.
Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours and God Bless You during this Holiday Season.