We Remember

Today, I pause to remember September 11, 2001.

A day when our world stood still. A day when ordinary lives were forever changed, and heartbreak swept across our nation.

I remember the fear I felt for my children, my family, and my friends because the future suddenly felt so uncertain. It changed the way we lived and the way we looked at the world around us.

Yet I also remember what followed.

For a time, we were not divided. We were simply Americans. Neighbors helped neighbors. Strangers comforted strangers. Our country stood shoulder to shoulder in unity, compassion, and resilience.

Today, we honor the lives that were lost, the families who continue to carry that loss, and the brave first responders who ran toward danger when everyone else was running away. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

My hope today is simple: that we remember not only the tragedy, but also the humanity it revealed. May we find our way back to that spirit of unity, choosing compassion, strength, and kindness toward one another once again.

We will never forget.

A Moment to Reflect

Some moments in history are remembered not only for the tragedy they brought, but for the humanity they revealed. They remind us that even in our darkest hours, compassion has the power to unite us.

What is one act of kindness or unity you remember from that time, and how might you carry that same spirit into the world today?

A Book Worth Noticing

If today's reflection leaves you wanting to better understand the human stories behind September 11, this is one I highly recommend. Rather than telling the events through a single narrator, the author weaves together the voices of survivors, first responders, family members, air traffic controllers, journalists, and countless others whose lives were forever changed.

It is heartbreaking, deeply human, and a powerful reminder of both the tragedy we endured and the courage that emerged from it.

It is not an easy read, and at times it can be graphic, but you walk away with a profound sense of compassion for those who lived through those unimaginable moments.

If you have read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts.