My daughter, Julia’s school has picture day today. She is in the bathroom doing her hair, makeup, etc. In 2001 I never imagined anyone being able to smile again on 9/11. It’s hard to believe that she was only 1 year old when the attacks on the World Trade Center happened. I remember pushing her in a stroller as we watched my oldest daughter, Alisa walk into elementary school. My friend, Michael called me to let me know the news. I stood there in shock as I told the other parents standing out in front of the school. We all went home, watched the news and cried.
We sat there stunned and wondered if we were next. When would it end? A field in PA, the Pentagon, … where were they flying next? I called a friend that I knew flew a lot and told him not to get on a plane. By then his flight was canceled. I remember how quiet and empty the sky was the rest of that day and a few days after . Not a plane in sight.
The terrorists did what they set out to do, they terrorized us. It’s nice to see people are remembering 9/11 today and also moving on with their lives and are able to smile for school pictures. The elementary school where I was standing when I heard the news was demolished years ago. It’s now an empty field. My daughter that I was pushing in the stroller is now 15 and able to drive a car. The daughter I was taking to elementary school is now in her third year in college. I’m posting this on FaceBook, which I never heard of in 2001. We’ve come a long way.
What can we do to remember 9/11 today? Do something nice for someone today. Make someone smile. Buy the person in line behind you a cup of coffee. Hold the door open for someone. Smile at a stranger as they walk by. Call someone that means a lot to you and thank them for all they’ve done for you. Bake cookies for your neighbor. Donate blood. Make the world a happier place.
Never forget, but keep moving forward.