The Day

The day is already passed.  Today, it is a a day to remember.  For me, this year, I went to a party for my aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary (how very inspiring -- they are truly happy!).  We celebrated life, love and the future.

Nine years ago, it was the world cracked open before me.  The day did not simply pass.  September 11 was an event like no other I had ever experienced.  I, as many others on the planet, remember precisely where they were when they heard the news.  I was coming out of a doctor's appointment in Union Square at exactly 8:50 a.m.  Normally, I would have headed to my office on Maiden Lane a couple of blocks from the towers.  That morning, I woke up late and had to return home to shower.  I obviously never made it into the office.

I remember the next few days like it was yesterday.  I did not sleep the entire night, watching the news.  The same footage over and over.  There was a bomb scare the next day at the Empire State building and I was having dinner near by.  We were told to evacuate and leave immediately.  To run -- run! -- from the area.  I felt like I was running for my life.  I felt out of control; there was true fear in the air.

For weeks and months, the subways, dedicated walls and fences were papered with pictures of loved ones who were lost.  It was the most horrifying, sad and devastating event to walk past those pictures.  I could never imagine the pain. . .

I am so grateful to have made it through that day safely.  To be here today to remember that day -- for better or for worse -- and to know that life is short.  It can so quickly turn on a dime.  To realize that what I think are "problems" are usually things created in my head.  I so often merely need some perspective.