They said New York changed us

They said New York changed us.

They meant it in a bad way.

They said New York made us hard. They said New York made us too independent. They said we became cold. They said the city made us cynical, even jaded.

They said New York caused our southern accents to fade and turned us into Yankees. They said we spent too much money on rent and too much time at work.

They said New York made us impatient. They said New York made us rude and abrasive.

They said we forgot who we were and where we came from.

They said New York changed us.


I say New York changed us.

But I mean it in a good way.

I say New York made us stronger. Made us braver. In fact, made us fearless.

I say New York stretched us. I say New York challenged us. I say New York taught us. I say New York required guts - required heart - that we didn't know we had.

I say New York was the fertilizer that helped us grow faster, greener, more vibrant, more colorful.

I say New York reminded us of home and made us even prouder of our roots.

I say God used this city to bless us. Prosper us. Ignite our passions. Restore our faith. Awaken our souls.

I say New York changed us.

And we will never be the same.