Remembering 9-11

It's hard to believe that 10 years have passed since September 11, 2001. 

Ten years ago, I wasn't married. 

I didn't even know my husband. 

I had a great boyfriend whom I thought I'd marry & move to Italy with.

I still lived at home, with my dad.

I worked, full time as a hair stylist. 

My life was so carefree & fun. 

Ten years ago, I had no idea where I'd be today. 

It is amazing to think that everything we know in the world can change in an instant. 

That day all of our lives changed. Our world changed. 

While I cut a man's hair, he frantically dialed his brother's phone number over and over again. 

He cried and I held back tears. 

He told me about his brother and that he worked in the Twin Towers.

At first, his brother wasn't answering and then, the calls just wouldn't go through.

I finished his hair, wished him luck and he went on his way. 

I never saw that man in the salon again and yet I think about him every year on this day.

Being at work, without a television and relying only on the radio was frustrating. 

Like most people, for days I was glued to the tv. 

My heart ached for so many. 

For the people who lost their lives and for their loved ones.

For the babies who would grow up never knowing their fathers. 

To this day, my heart still aches for each and every one of them. I cannot imagine a pain like that.

Calling internationally wasn't something I could do from my cheap cell phone.

It was 2 days before I heard from my boyfriend in Italy.

To my surprise, he was flying home. But, he had to stop in North Carolina first.

The FBI was seizing his apartment that he'd sublet to some guy. 


He was suspected of being involved in the attacks in some way. 

I've always wondered what ever happened with that situation, but we broke up 6 months later.

Six months later, I met my husband and really, for me, the rest is history.

Literally.

I have no other personal connections to 9-11, except that I will never, ever forget. 

That to me is my personal connection, I feel as if I can never turn my back when being told a story about someone's experience on 9-11. Some people say it's too painful to look at the pictures, to relive the videos and the memories. That it's too heart wrenching to watch interviews with survivors or loved ones of survivors.  I feel as if turning my back on listening to the stories because it's "too painful" is somewhat of a slap in the face to the survivors and to the family & friends of the victims. Walk a day (or a minute) in their shoes if you really want to experience heartache or pain. For me, watching and learning keeps the memories of all of those strangers alive. 

The way in which the people in our country came together in the weeks & months following 9-11 will forever be ingrained in my mind. 


Flags were flown, hellos were exchanged and often times strangers turned into friends, simply because of conversation. 


Hard to imagine that there are people in the world that could do something so terrible to so many innocent people. We pulled together though, despite the pain & suffering in our lives. We were scared and shaken but we were not broken. 





To the firefighters, policemen and all other first responders I will forever be grateful. 

So may people risked their lives that day. 

So many people lost their lives, their husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Today, I'll also remember how grateful I am for my amazing brother in law, Carlos and for every single other man & woman who've served and still do serve our country, as well as their families who sacrifice so much.

 

 

{yes, that is my brother in law, Carlos, my beautiful sister and my sweet niece & nephew. all photos courtesy of Jennifer Michelle Photography.}

No matter where you are or what you're doing today, please remember to take a moment to remember.

 I know I will.