10 years go by so quickly, yet they stand still in many instances. Like the moment I stood in front of a television frozen. Frozen by the image of a plane slamming into the Twin Towers and thinking, could this really be happening? I was 30 years old, going through a divorce already and childless. I remember that moment, when hot tears could not come out of my eyes because I could not process what I was watching and feeling. It took a whole week before I could cry and release it all. I was one of many who felt overwhelmed and questioned what life had ahead of them and for this country.
I sit here ten years later at the age of 40, finding my way into a new relationship and a mother of two loving busy children, and yet I still cry and I remember. I remember what was lost, innocence, fathers, mothers, uncles, spouses, children, security, dreams, hopes. I also rejoice in what 10 years has brought some of us. It brought, resilience, new hope, new dreams, rekindled dreams, strength, neighbors, new families, new borders, new safety policies. We have all come far.
10 years…Never forget that day, but honor it as a positive memory. Remember those survivors who dusted themselves off and progressed forward despite everything that happened that day. Honor those lost by finishing their work and making this a better kinder place.
My children will know that they are here because of that day. I rekindled my dream of having children someday and reaching that degree. Done! And DONE! Let’s see what the next ten years will bring.
