We Haven't Forgotten

     Hey guys:) Well 9/11 came and went this year in such a different way than it ever has since 2001. Of course, there was the time spent pondering back to exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard/saw the news of the various attacks. There was also the usual flood of memorial posts on social media with beautiful artwork and quotes, etc, and as always there were many people expressing regret at how united our country used to be back right after we were targeted, and how we've lost most of that unity and brotherly love.
     The first and biggest reason it was so different this year is because of our favorite and most impacting experience from our little NYC visit last month: The 9/11 Memorial Plaza.

     Visiting there was one of our biggest goals for our trip, but it wasn't until a few days in that we were able to go. It just so happened to be raining lightly, and as we sat in the back of the uber headed to ground zero, the dark sky and raindrops down the windows felt really fitting for what we were about to see. Getting out of the car and taking Richards hand we quietly walked a block or so before reaching the two waterfall pools.
   
     It was really so amazing to stand there and take in all the details, the vast number of names, the white roses(a birthday tradition we learned), the symbolism of the massive empty holes in the ground, etc. It would have been extremely humbling at any time of course, but thinking back to the day the towers were hit and about the pain and heartbreak of the families who lost loved ones cut me so much deeper than it ever has before, because of my own incredible loss. Suddenly I could relate to the absolute anguish and grief in a whole new way, and it felt so heavy on my heart.

     Deciding to go through the Memorial Museum was actually a harder decision than either of us had been expecting, once again just because we were both feeling very affected and weren't sure how much more we could take. We decided to get the full experience while we had the opportunity, so we took the hour long guided tour through. It was so deeply intense and impacting, and I can't possibly go into enough detail about everything they have collected and preserved. 

     The majority of the museum is underground between the original twin towers, and tells the story of the event from the morning of September 11, 2001 through the perspective of those that were there. There are over 3,000 names and faces that are honored, and the use of video and audio tech used to share recounts and last words and messages of love is tragically beautiful. 

     Some of the most incredible artifacts to me were a set of stairs that were used by escapees, a mangled fire truck, and the last column that stayed standing after the buildings collapsed. People helping in the aftermath of the destruction started attaching mementos and photos in tribute to loved ones, and it was made into a memorial symbolizing strength for so many. 

     In wrapping up my 'quick' thoughts I suppose I just wanted to add that to all the people I mentioned above (that have always included myself) who feel like our country has since lost all the charity and unity that we gained right after 9/11, we still have so much of that if you just look around. This years anniversary just happened to come right after Hurricane Harvey hit and I saw SO many thousands of people reaching out to help in any way they could. Then Hurricane Irma came and the response was the same. All the wildfires in the West and the horrible devastation that is taking place all over this country and elsewhere is bringing out an urgency in so so many to do make a difference and show their support to strangers who need them. We haven't forgotten how to love one another when others need it most. At least not in my humble opinion:)

     I'd love to hear your thoughts, and if you've had a chance to visit the memorial plaza yourself?
Take care today dears,