September 11th -

I struggled today to put my thoughts in writing regarding the events that changed our Nation and our world 10 years ago.  My mind was blocked as I wanted to convey the sadness along with the heroic actions and the compassion of a Nation that truly came together.  So I found myself pausing throughout the day attempting to put it all together.

I glanced through Facebook this afternoon looking for inspiration.  I read all the usual posts and I waited for some epiphany to unleash my thoughts but I just could not find the right expression.

As I read the words, Never Forget and In Remembrance it felt static, heavy and still.  I was taken right back to my emotions of that day.  I changed that day, we all changed that day.  Ten years have gone by...... What have we learned?  How have we changed?  How have the events of that day evolved us as a Nation?  I felt compelled to really convey how sacred this day is and how necessary it is to nurture a better tomorrow.  Tonight I watched a documentary of that day, of all that we lost and the impact left on those who experienced it first hand.  September 11th, 2001 was tragic and sad and heart breaking, it was also heroic, inspiring, and hopeful.

"Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must give in return as much as I have received.” Albert Einstein

This evening my sweet, sweet friend Diane called to share some very happy news.  At seven o'clock tonight she became a Great Grandmother, when TWO babies, a boy and a girl, took their very first breath.   We briefly weighed in on how their birthday will forever be linked with this solemn day.  Yet I could not help but feel a sense of comfort because life goes on, with a new soul or two, to leave their footprints upon the world.

And just like all those Facebook posts earlier that I knew would tie into my post tonight.  They are the posts telling their friends, that they spent a wonderful day with their Mom, took their kids to the fair, made oatmeal cookies for a loved one, are proud of their college bound Son, and are cherishing the first signs of Spring in Fiji. 

Life does go on, memories are made and each day we are given the opportunity to leave this world better than we found it. 

The legacy of the Trade Center should be one of humanity, bravery of human spirit, and overcoming adversity.  It has to be positive, because we always have hope and life sustains us by going on.