The first time I saw her she took my breath away.

I don’t know if it’s because I’d heard so much about her, and seeing her in person was like meeting an old friend.

Someone watching over me, like an older sister or wise old aunt.

So when we hopped on the Staten Island ferry and cruised out past her, it was even more moving than watching her from the shore of Battery Park.

I love that she was a gift to New York from France, and that she’s the most iconic landmark in the city.