It was a hard day regardless of knowing someone down in the thick of it. It was a hard day seeing it happen to a city I feel so passionate/full of love about that I almost feel like I birthed it. It was hard day as an American that always thought I was safe on US soil. As a country we lost our innocence that day, and as a person I learned countless of lessons that would impact my life forever.
I remember standing in front of that wall with miles and miles of faces. Many--to many-- were my age at the time in their young twenties. Many didn't live to experience bringing life onto the earth, or get married, or get enough experience to get to their dream job. I vowed to never forget their faces or their families. I vowed to always be thankful for my ability to live life and that the person I knew got out ok.
Today I can honestly say I have come a long long way. For many years this day brought up a number of things-- mainly the frustration that so many loving lives were taken that day, while the person I knew went on living life unscathed, selfish, and abusive to others. A few years ago I even wrote an angry anonymous blog post on another site that shouted this. I was feeling like this person had stolen this day from me. Today, however, I can tell you I am still thankful they survived, as their impact on me at that time in my life could have been dreadful if the outcome had been different. I may not of come out to be the person I am today. I also don't feel anger in my heart. As after doing much soul searching, I realized there is a reason for everything.
The lessons I learned from that day looking at the wall is the reason I have a newborn baby sleeping on my chest. It is the reason I became more faithful to God. It is the reason I try to be a good person, live a full life, and make not only mine-but those around me- dreams come true.
It is why I am forever grateful I am alive....
