10 Year Anniversary!

It’s been 10 years, but yet there are days it feels just like yesterday. 

On that particular day as I walked 40 blocks north towards Midtown Manhattan, it was one of those rare moments in New York City where the streets were empty, people were sobbing, the sky was smoky & gray, and Times Square was empty.  Volunteers were out on the streets handing out water and food to anyone and everyone.  Like I said, it was one of those rare moments in Manhattan.        

A few hours later I encountered a few people covered in ashes from head to toe.  I stared in disbelief wanting to say something, but I held back.  It was an understood silence.   

And yet through all the chaos and sadness, miracles occurred.  Loved ones were found alive.  Families were once again reunited. 

When I finally arrived at Penn Station, I got on the NJ Transit train around 6 PM to get out of Manhattan.  That may have been the only time in my life I ever wanted to get out of Manhattan. 

An hour later I was finally home.  I saw my mom.  She looked as though she had aged 10 years in merely 10 hours.  Her precious green eyes were filled with tears for she had been crying all day.  Thankfully my sister-in-law, GB, was by her side to comfort her.  I felt my mom’s pain.  I gave her a hug.  I was home with the ones I loved.  I was lucky.

But what about those unfortunate souls who weren’t as lucky?  And what about those who lost loved ones… a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a child, or a friend?  After 10 years do you think their pain subsided?  Do you think time heals all wounds or just some wounds?

They say love is the greatest strength, and yet it is an even greater weakness.  Or is it not?  But I suppose it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, right?  Much easier said than to actually live through the daily anguish. 

To all the victims of 9.11, though I can’t fathom the pain you must feel today, I am so sorry for your loss.

After 10 years and all that has been said and done, it is important to reflect back and learn the lessons.  So to end this post on a positive note, I want to share with you my life’s lessons.

It is important for me to live each day doing something I truly enjoy – big or small, spend time with the ones I love who make a difference in my life, taking pleasure in the little things in life, such as, my tea and dessert moments, and enjoy the present because it is a gift!