September 11th was an unspeakable day. I can still close my eyes and picture clearly where I was when I heard about the attacks. The rest of that day was a blur of sorrow and pain and images I’ll never forget. The weeks that followed had a tangible intensity to them, a feeling that we were mourning but also clutching an American spirit that brought us together in tragedy.
It’s hard to believe my kids will only know about this secondhand, that the phrase 9/11 will never twist in their gut quite like it does in mine. I suppose every generation has pivotal moments that the next only learns about through books – World War I and II, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War – all turning points in history that affected real lives, the scope of which cannot be encapsulated in a history lesson.
As for those whose lives were forever changed by September 11th…for the victims and their families; for the first responders – the ones who gave their lives that day and those who struggle with their health now; for the people who lost friends and family and loved ones…please know that we remember.
We will always remember.
Riddle from the Middle 