Remembering 9/11

   I wanted to use today's blog to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic attacks on September 11th. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news, I don't think I will ever forget. I was in high school, and my did woke me up early and brought me down stairs to watch the news that the first plane had hit one of the towers. No one knew still if it was an accident, terrorist attack, or hi jacking, still just speculating. I was half asleep still and as we watched the second plane hit. I think at the age I still hadn't grasped what just happened. But i could tell from my dad's concern and expressions that this was a big deal. 
   The rest of the day at school that is all we did was watch news coverage. Every class I went to, the TV was on. I think all the other students were at the same level of grasping the severity as I was. The teachers had the same look that my dad had earlier that morning. Once we learned the details of the attacks I think everyone turned to anger. But sadly anger doesn't bring back the lives that were lost that morning in New York City. Wish it could. All we have is memories. Children lost parents, siblings lost brothers and sisters, parents even lost kids. 
   Don't take a single day for granted. This life is a gift, and too often we get caught up in our hectic schedules and forget to take time to appreciate the things we take for granted. Hug your kids tighter today, tell your significant other you love them, call a family member who you haven't spoken to in a while. Tomorrow is never promised. And life is short.   
   I have heard a quote somewhere that people really die twice. The first one the obvious and the second the last time someone speaks their name. The only thing we can do for those victims of 9/11 is to never forget. Remember them, remember the brave emergency responders that died trying to save others, and the families that are still hurting. Take today as an opportunity to think about someone else you have lost close to you that has nothing to do with 9/11. If you have a child who never met their grandparent, pull out a photo album. Pay remembrance to them. Don't let them die twice! 

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