This past weekend was one filled with lots of emotion for me. I ventured to New Jersey to celebrate the marriage of two dear friends; it was a happy, joyous event filled with lots of love. I spent a lot of time with people who mean so much to me and cried so many tears of joy. This weekend also marked the 10 year anniversary of the 9.11.01 attacks, which brought on a whole other set of emotions. In the moments in between the wedding events- driving in the car, downtime at the hotel, etc.- I cried tears of sadness, felt heavy-hearted, and felt a certain amount of guilt for being so happy on such a somber occasion.
I felt especially emotional while driving home through NYC on Sunday (9/11); I saw American flags, commemorative billboards/signs, and police/security on every corner, at every toll, and lining the highways. I thought about one of my best friends who lost her brother, Welles, in the 9/11 attacks. I recalled the stories she told me about him- how he became known as the man in the red bandanna, and how his selfless heroism saved many lives. Welles, and so many others that day, had their lives cut short in one of the Nation’s greatest tragedies. Undoubtedly they all had hopes, dreams, aspirations, goals and wishes for the future. And because of a selfish act of hate, those lost in 9/11 would never be able to see those dreams, wishes, and goals through to completion.
I was reminded that every morning when I wake up to live another day, I’m being given a gift. The gift of being alive- living and breathing on this Earth- is something I take for granted so often. I was so thankful for the reminder because it sparked something within me and made me want to truly do the BEST I can every day. When I put things in this perspective, suddenly my excuses/reasons/problems/obstacles didn’t seem so overwhelming. At least I am alive. At least I am here to TRY as best I can, and give 100% every day. Welles, and so many others, are not able to do that today. It inspired me to work harder at my dreams, put more of an effort into reaching my goals, strive to reach beyond my supposed limits and make the impossible possible. When I don’t want to try any more, when I want to give up and throw in the towel, when doing it for me is no longer good enough, I will dig deeper and give a little more- for Welles and for all those who have gone before me.
Take a moment to stop and appreciate the fragile nature of life- how precious it is and how often its taken for granted. Your time on this Earth is so short and you never know when your number will be called. You can not guarantee that next year, next month, next week, or even tomorrow will be yours. All you can do is make the most of the present moment; do not delay, make it happen today. Go to bed every night knowing that you gave 100% in everything you did. Have no regrets.
I thank Welles and all the other heroes of 9/11 for their selflessness and courage. They will never be forgotten and their memories will live on through those who tell their stories.
I felt especially emotional while driving home through NYC on Sunday (9/11); I saw American flags, commemorative billboards/signs, and police/security on every corner, at every toll, and lining the highways. I thought about one of my best friends who lost her brother, Welles, in the 9/11 attacks. I recalled the stories she told me about him- how he became known as the man in the red bandanna, and how his selfless heroism saved many lives. Welles, and so many others that day, had their lives cut short in one of the Nation’s greatest tragedies. Undoubtedly they all had hopes, dreams, aspirations, goals and wishes for the future. And because of a selfish act of hate, those lost in 9/11 would never be able to see those dreams, wishes, and goals through to completion.
I was reminded that every morning when I wake up to live another day, I’m being given a gift. The gift of being alive- living and breathing on this Earth- is something I take for granted so often. I was so thankful for the reminder because it sparked something within me and made me want to truly do the BEST I can every day. When I put things in this perspective, suddenly my excuses/reasons/problems/obstacles didn’t seem so overwhelming. At least I am alive. At least I am here to TRY as best I can, and give 100% every day. Welles, and so many others, are not able to do that today. It inspired me to work harder at my dreams, put more of an effort into reaching my goals, strive to reach beyond my supposed limits and make the impossible possible. When I don’t want to try any more, when I want to give up and throw in the towel, when doing it for me is no longer good enough, I will dig deeper and give a little more- for Welles and for all those who have gone before me.
Take a moment to stop and appreciate the fragile nature of life- how precious it is and how often its taken for granted. Your time on this Earth is so short and you never know when your number will be called. You can not guarantee that next year, next month, next week, or even tomorrow will be yours. All you can do is make the most of the present moment; do not delay, make it happen today. Go to bed every night knowing that you gave 100% in everything you did. Have no regrets.
I thank Welles and all the other heroes of 9/11 for their selflessness and courage. They will never be forgotten and their memories will live on through those who tell their stories.
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