One day - Two Reflections

September 11th - my generation's Pearl Harbor. That's how it was described to me last month and I think it's probably true.

Every year for the last 15 years, we all collectively mourn this day, we all say, "Never Forget," as if we ever could. I think we are not speaking to ourselves so much as we are speaking to those who have come after us. Never let us forget. Please, remember for us, after we are gone. Don't let the pain of this day diminish our collective memory and thereby dim the light of those who were lost.

Part of my mourning has been to visit the memorials, to honor and remember. Last month our family visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County, PA. It is a beautiful place, haunting and sacred. And in September of 2014, Ryan and I visited the World Trade Center Memorial. It is breath-taking in its size, beauty and sacredness; it cannot be fully described, only experienced.

But today also marks a day of celebration for our family. Chuck & I were married on September 11th, two years before the attacks. Today we celebrate 17 years of marriage, and for that I am so thankful. We were on vacation when the attacks occurred and we spent the entire day watching live coverage, wondering what our future would hold in that frightening new world. 15 years later, we celebrate two young men who are making their own way in this new world - our sons: Ryan (11) & Michael (14).

Today is always bittersweet. A day of tears of sadness and smiles of joy. Forgive us if we smile in our happiness, but celebrate the fact that out of the ashes came new life, joy and hope for the future.

Remember to mourn the loss, and also celebrate the hope that lives on.

Wishing you all Peace. ~Jen