9/11

Today I am hugging my son and my husband a little bit tighter than usual.

I'm a crier, I cry easily and often. What can I say, I'm emotional. Today I watched just about 20 minutes in total of the name readings at the World Trade Center (which btw looks beautiful the way they've rebuilt it. I'd love to go visit and etch some names of those brave people who died that day). In any event, during that 20 minutes of watching I saw people reading names who had lost mothers, brothers, sisters, fathers, in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, best friends, fire fighters, police men, port authority police and more. My heart breaks for these people, all of them. I have been fortunate in my life to not have suffered many deaths in my immediate family and I am so grateful for that. My mind can't help but wander to those children who were still unborn when 9/11 happened. Those unfortunate children (because I can't think of a better word than unfortunate) that didn't have the chance to meet their mother or father because of that fateful day. I saw photos of some of these children, some of them that read some names. There were children who were too young at the time to really remember their parents that was lost that day. I wouldn't want to imagine what it would be like for them. One boy in particular read names towards the end and said "and my father, I wish you could be here to give me advice and cheer me on on the sidelines when I play sports just like the other dads" There wasn't a hint of anger in his voice, not one. He was grateful that his father was a hero. It sincerely broke my heart and uplifted me at the same time. To those children I say, live life to the fullest and always remember those you lost on that day. Everyone's heart is with you, across the country and in others.

When I couldn't watch anymore I switched to FOX where the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams were getting ready to begin their pre-game ceremonies. There was a lone trumpeter playing TAPS while they showed footage of those in the stadium and those around the country. Afterwards, they unraveled an American flag the size of the field. The football teams held one side as members of the police, fire department and crew pulled the other end across the field. Both teams, together, representing what our country is really about. An amazing Naval officer sang the National Anthem and it was beautiful. There were players with tears streaming down their face. Followed up by every person in the crowd chanting "USA! USA!"

I can't help but be grateful today for my family and my friends who mean the world to me. I'm so blessed that I did not lose anyone on that day. I continue today to pray for those who were lost and their families. I continue every day to thank God for our troops who voluntarily protect our country every day. I continue to thank God for our police officers, fire fighters, port authority workers, volunteers and anyone else who gives their life and work for us.

God Bless all these families and God Bless our Nation and it's President.