Name: Amanda Geraghty
I am: 25 years old, and Weekend Assignment Editor at 13WHAM news
Years in Rochester: 23
Current home: Gates-grew up in the South Wedge
To the city I love, my first love, the one undeniable love that will follow me all the days of my life:
I'm sorry.
I have been awful to you. While you have held me since birth, and all my 25 years, I have not been faithful.
I have walked your sidewalks, drank in your bars, laid in your parks, and kissed under your street lights. I have laughed and loved on your streets.
I have abandoned you.
I went West, and loved another city, all but replacing you in my heart. Then, when that city betrayed me and I couldn't bear to be there, I ran to you, and you enveloped me again, without judgement.
I fell in love with you in a whole new way. There are new parts of you to enjoy, and my favorite places feel more like home than ever before.
There are parts of you that are broken and need mending. Just like me.
Together, we can fix our broken parts.
I would be a rudderless ship without you. A wanderer with no real place to anchor.
I have been a selfish child, and I'm sorry. I have learned how to truly appreciate you, and no city can ever replace you. I know that now.
You are scarred. You are burned. You are broken.
But, my sweet Rochester, you are so beautiful. Everyday, you somehow steal my heart and make it you're again.
As I sit here on South Avenue in my favorite neighborhood and watch the cars go by, you inspire me.
You are stronger than I could ever hope to be.
Just the mere fact that you accepted me after leaving you and being unfaithful is humbling.
But you have allowed me to succeed-fostering new friendships, building a new relationship (that I have you to thank for), giving me an education, and helping me find a career.
All those things would never be possible in the same place without you.
You made me who I am.
Thank you.
Rochester, my darling, my love, I'm so sorry for what I have done to you. I will never be able to make up for what I have done.
But if you let me try, we can both be stronger, and heal.
All my love, all my days.
Amanda Geraghty
I'm sorry.
I have been awful to you. While you have held me since birth, and all my 25 years, I have not been faithful.
I have walked your sidewalks, drank in your bars, laid in your parks, and kissed under your street lights. I have laughed and loved on your streets.
I have abandoned you.
I went West, and loved another city, all but replacing you in my heart. Then, when that city betrayed me and I couldn't bear to be there, I ran to you, and you enveloped me again, without judgement.
I fell in love with you in a whole new way. There are new parts of you to enjoy, and my favorite places feel more like home than ever before.
There are parts of you that are broken and need mending. Just like me.
Together, we can fix our broken parts.
I would be a rudderless ship without you. A wanderer with no real place to anchor.
I have been a selfish child, and I'm sorry. I have learned how to truly appreciate you, and no city can ever replace you. I know that now.
You are scarred. You are burned. You are broken.
But, my sweet Rochester, you are so beautiful. Everyday, you somehow steal my heart and make it you're again.
As I sit here on South Avenue in my favorite neighborhood and watch the cars go by, you inspire me.
You are stronger than I could ever hope to be.
Just the mere fact that you accepted me after leaving you and being unfaithful is humbling.
But you have allowed me to succeed-fostering new friendships, building a new relationship (that I have you to thank for), giving me an education, and helping me find a career.
All those things would never be possible in the same place without you.
You made me who I am.
Thank you.
Rochester, my darling, my love, I'm so sorry for what I have done to you. I will never be able to make up for what I have done.
But if you let me try, we can both be stronger, and heal.
All my love, all my days.
Amanda Geraghty