My wife and I enjoyed espresso together this morning before she headed out to work. We kissed and she left for the bus. It was really a perfect moment. As Jen said not too long ago, “We should be making perfect moments all the time.” How true that is. Life is too short and we should all enjoy every moment as much as possible.
After Jen left, I found myself wiping down the espresso machine and shedding some tears, as I did on this day last year and the year before. The tears were for those who died so tragically two years ago. That day was the first major tragedy that many of my generation had lived through — and that was so close to home. I’m sure my tears will continue to flow on this day for the rest of my life. I can only hope that the world will somehow be a better place one day.
Above all else, today is a day of remembrance. It is a day to think about the lives that were lost and the family and friends who were left behind. It is also a day to enjoy life and to appreciate every moment we have on this Earth.
Tristan Louis asks: “Who were you before and who are you now? How did the September 11th experience changed [sic] your life, if it did in any way? How are things different in your life now? What have you done/not done as a result of September 11th?”
September 11, 2001 certainly changed me as a person. Before then, I had a greater sense of security. I didn’t think twice when I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, boarded a plane, or rode an underground train. I had a deeper sense of inner peace. As many other Americans, I felt safe and impenetrable in this great country. The attack on America that day was a wake-up call. It shattered my sense of security and also my sense of peace about the future. I used to look forward to the day I would bring children into this world. Now Jen and I question whether that’s the responsible thing to do (not that we’re close to ready for that). The world is now a scary place. What will be left for future generations?
Despite this, I am not afraid. I am more cautious, more aware of what’s going on around me, but I don’t live my life in fear. That’s the goal of terrorism and I do not let it win me over.
This country may be more vulnerable today than it was before September 11, but the spirit of its people is stronger. The greatest lesson of all from that day is not to live in fear, but to appreciate each day and live it to the fullest.
Today tell your friends and family that you love them. Life is precious. Enjoy it.
1 response so far ↓
1 iProtest // Sep 11, 2003 at 3:24 pm
9/11
My friend, Gabe wrote a very touching post on his blog about this. I think everyone feels very similarly about this. I remember the day it happened Jess’ mother called us at 6 in the morning and told us that…