35 Years Late, Eternally Grateful “I” Is Here! - IMRAN™ Manhattan holds a special place in my heart, ever since my MBA days at Columbia. But what many don't know is that Florida has been a constant presence in my life for the past 35 years. My American Christmas and New Year's debut unfolded in Miami, 1989. Gracious Annette B., from the Council for International Visitors (I wonder if it still exists!), hosted me. Many loving memories linger from that organization. Annette's son, Mark, whizzed me around Miami and even treated me to my first Florida boat ride – a picture of us somewhere captures that moment. He pointed towards Key West signs on the highway, but time constraints kept us from exploring further. Years later, 15 years to be exact, fate reconnected me with Annette's daughter, Tania. Our relationship blossomed for two years, ending around this time in 2009 – another 15-year marker. One of Tania's many thoughtful gifts was a thrilling plane ride over the Florida Keys. Soaring with her to Marathon for a seaside lunch and aerial sightseeing was unforgettable. Yet, the iconic drive across the 7-mile bridge remained tantalizingly unfulfilled. Three and a half decades after Mark's highway tease and 15 years after parting ways with Tania, I finally seized the opportunity. This weekend, I embarked on a road trip from my Tampa Bay haven, culminating in Key West under perfect weather. Gratitude washes over me as I savor this moment. My beloved parents instilled in us the value of cherishing memories and appreciating even those from the distant past. So,this journey is also an ode to the wonderful Banens of Miami, even though decades have separated us. And with an even deeper sense of gratitude, I proclaim: 35 years late, but "I" am finally here! © 1989-2024 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Florida #Miami #FloridaKeys #KeyWest #memories #autobiography #gratitude #blessed #travel #GulfOfMexico #travelogue35 Years Late, Eternally Grateful “I” Is Here! - IMRAN™ Manhattan holds a special place in my heart, ever since my MBA days at Columbia. But what many don't know is that Florida has been a constant presence in my life for the past 35 years. My American Christmas and New Year's debut unfolded in Miami, 1989. Gracious Annette B., from the Council for International Visitors (I wonder if it still exists!), hosted me. Many loving memories linger from that organization. Annette's son, Mark, whizzed me around Miami and even treated me to my first Florida boat ride – a picture of us somewhere captures that moment. He pointed towards Key West signs on the highway, but time constraints kept us from exploring further. Years later, 15 years to be exact, fate reconnected me with Annette's daughter, Tania. Our relationship blossomed for two years, ending around this time in 2009 – another 15-year marker. One of Tania's many thoughtful gifts was a thrilling plane ride over the Florida Keys. Soaring with her to Marathon for a seaside lunch and aerial sightseeing was unforgettable. Yet, the iconic drive across the 7-mile bridge remained tantalizingly unfulfilled. Three and a half decades after Mark's highway tease and 15 years after parting ways with Tania, I finally seized the opportunity. This weekend, I embarked on a road trip from my Tampa Bay haven, culminating in Key West under perfect weather. Gratitude washes over me as I savor this moment. My beloved parents instilled in us the value of cherishing memories and appreciating even those from the distant past. So,this journey is also an ode to the wonderful Banens of Miami, even though decades have separated us. And with an even deeper sense of gratitude, I proclaim: 35 years late, but "I" am finally here! © 1989-2024 IMRAN™ #IMRAN #Florida #Miami #FloridaKeys #KeyWest #memories #autobiography #gratitude #blessed #travel #GulfOfMexico #travelogue

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