#3.1: From Paris to NYC
I think it would be impossible to go through our Paris experience unchanged. For many months after, I was very easily startled by any loud noise.
To this day, I have a hard time watching BBC or any sort of European television show where I hear that distinct siren sound. It is forever ingrained in my mind.
I also remember working at Vanguard and having a spontaneous, building-wide “active shooter drill”. Even though this was years later, and it was clearly just a drill, nonetheless I found myself fleeing the building in tears and calling my mom. Bless her heart. I’ve put her through a lot over the years.
I have yet to be able to bring myself to watch “November 13: Attack on Paris” or the Eagles of Death Metal documentary (the band that was playing at the Bataclan) about that night in Paris, but Chris HIGHLY recommends them.
Filmmakers Jules and Gédéon Naudet direct this three-part documentary that explores the human stories behind the Paris terrorist attacks of Nov. 13, 2015. "November 13" follows the chronology of the events, sharing testimony of people who were brought together by tragedy -- from survivors to first responders and the leaders of the French government. Among the stories told are those of concertgoers at the packed Bataclan theater who sought refuge when caught in a harrowing scene. Following the attacks, the city comes together.
For anyone interested, November 13 is on Netflix. The trailer can be found here.
“The November 13, 2015 terrorist attack in Paris claimed 130 lives around the city — 89 of them at the Eagles of Death Metal’s Bataclan Theatre concert.
Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis (Our Friends) spotlights the American rock band as they recount their experiences before and after the tragic events. The film explores the connection the band has always had with its devoted fans, which moved them to return to Paris to perform once again in February 2016.
Directed by Colin Hanks, the documentary is a portrait of resilience in the face of unspeakable horror and a life-affirming coda to the events of November 13.”
For anyone interested, the title is Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis and it can be found on HBO, Netflix, Prime Video, etc. The trailer can be found here.
But! Praise the Lord. We had made it home. We were safe. And! We had a year of planning to do to prepare for our fall 2016 wedding! Fall is hands-down my favorite season - I love anything apple, pumpkin, autumnal, and was thrilled about a fall wedding.
I think everything that we had been through in Paris made each wedding-related activity, surrounded by friends and family, that much sweeter. That much more meaningful. I tried to take nothing for granted (even amidst the natural stress that comes from planning an out-of-state wedding). From dress hunting to the bridal showers to the tastings, I relished every moment.
The best women I know. From left to right — Aunt Beth, Nanny, Mom, Me (duh), My Seester
One of my all-time favorite pics - my Nanny and my man at my bridal shower. Nanny always jokes that Chris stole my heart and stole me away to the north.
While Chris was away for his bachelor party, I remember sitting outside by our firepit enjoying the crisp fall air, a glass of champagne in hand in one hand and a new book in the other (clearly this was pre-motherhood lol) when the phone rang. It was Chris’ mom.
“Allison- have you seen the news? There has been a bombing in NYC. Have you heard from Chris?”
What. The. Actual. Heck.
I texted Chris - no response. I called Chris - no response. I called his best friend - he answered!
“Brian! Where is Chris?! Are y’all okay?!,” I rambled!
“Of course! He’s right here! We are all going around the table cheersing him and taking turns giving him a toast! Here... I’ll put you on speaker, you can take a turn!,” he replied.
“Hey babe!”, Chris said excitedly in his ‘I’ve had one too many whiskies voice’.
I responded like any rational fiancé….“I’m going to KILL YOU!!! I’ve been freaking out! Next time answer your phone!,” I not so calmly replied.
Needless to say, the boys were fine. The only damage done that weekend was to their livers, their iPhones, and a slight blow to Chris’ ego after yelling at him in front of his friends. (Sorry, babe.)
Earlier that year, I had my bachelorette party in the Hamptons, and it was seriously THE best weekend. My sister led the charge in planning and each of the girls contributed more than I could have ever dreamed of.
I soaked up every moment of being with my girlfriends and I loved seeing my two worlds collide -friends from VA/DC and friends from PA.
As hard as the transition to Philly had been that first year, I ended up surrounded by Philly’s finest girlfriends. I couldn’t help but feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.
BUT what happens in the Hamptons stays in the Hamptons…