a chimerical plan

As I sit in my New York City living room - listening to the names of the people lost 10 years ago on the tragic day that changed the world - I have to take time to reflect on the past 10 years. 

10 years ago I was living in Washington, DC. My perspective of that day is not of the Towers - though the images of the Towers burning and falling will forever be a part of my memories - but of Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon. I saw the plane. I saw the smoke rise from the horizon as it crashed. And later that morning - still unaware of exactly what just happened to our world - I saw the flames as I drove past the Pentagon trying to make my way to work. Needless to say - I never made it into work. As like most of the world - my attention turned back to the television to watch the rest of the day and week following unfold. It was unlike any experience I had ever witnessed and have ever since witnessed. The sites. The smells. The frantic phone calls from family and friends. The reconnection to people directly impacted by the day both at the Pentagon as well as my brave and heroic uncle who was in the Towers on that horrible day but managed to escape to safety before the Towers fell. The tragedy of that day will forever be a moment that brings us who were there together.

In 10 years - I’ve relocated to New York City - a goal I always had and wanted to accomplish before I turned 30 - which I accomplished 4 months before my 30th birthday. I’ve been afforded wonderful opportunities both personal and professional. I’ve gained countless friends and had wonderful relationships. I have had many years to collect more memories - both good and bad. I’ve found love - like no other love I’ve ever had. I’ve found laughter. I’ve found tears. I have seen additions to the family - a beautiful niece and a beautiful nephew. I have lost some loved ones as well though I know they are still with me, watching, and protecting me. I was adopted by a cat. I have seen the Pyramids of Egypt and drank amazing wines in Argentina. I’ve seen the nation change in ways I never expected. I have seen hope turn into triumph and I continue to cling to this feeling of hope to help me continue to grow, change, and heal.

10 years later - it still hurts. I guess it’s a good thing. It reminds me to appreciate the things I take for granted. It reminds me to love and cherish the people in my life. The hurt is what allows us all to take hope and turn it into triumph. Never forget. Continue to learn and grow. Take care of each other.