I Will Always Remember 9/11

I do not need to remind you what happened 15 years ago today, September 11, 2001, Everyone remembers what happened. Everyone remembers where they were.

While today is the 15 year anniversary of the terror events of 9/11, I feel today as I did 15 years ago, as if it were yesterday. Sad, grief stricken and paralyzed. My heart aches for what happened and tears come with grief for those who lost loved ones on that fateful day.

I woke up this morning with feelings of grief and after my first cup of coffee, I received a text from a dear friend saying she was thinking of me today. That did it! The tears began to flow and the memories came rushing back. Whoever said, “ time heals” was wrong. It doesn’t always heal. Things do get better but the wound for many is always open, even if it is just a little bit. I know these feelings will pass and all too soon the little things of life will consume my time and my feelings. But for today, 9/11 is my life.

I read many tributes that say, “we will never forget” and we-will-not-forget. However, for today, I choose to remember! I remember what I saw and what I felt from that fateful day 15 years ago.

I will always remember…….

The men and women of American and United Airlines that deployed hundreds of family assistance team members to respond to the tragedy. Volunteers that put aside their fear to leave their families to respond to their crew and passenger families.

I remember the first responders who ran to the tragedy to help, even when that meant they were putting their own lives at risk.

I remember the comforting symbol of the American Red Cross. They are truly everywhere!

I remember all my airline friends and colleagues that reached out to help, even though everyone was overwhelmed with thousands and thousands of stranded passengers and crew.

I remember the school children that made homemade cards to send to complete strangers to offer some sense of comfort.

I remember the citizens of New York City that lined the streets of the route where family members were traveling to attend a site visit to pay their respects to their loved ones who were on the planes.

I remember how everyone I reached out to said, “yes” rather than said, “no, we cannot do that!”

I remember the overwhelming humanity of the United States and world.

I remember for the first time in my life, I understood what “United States” truly meant!

I remember the grief and the horror of 9/11

Today, I remember everyone that responded and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage, bravery and humanity.

Today, I remember the brave American Airlines volunteers, the United Airlines volunteers, the countless police ,fire department and American Red Cross responders not only from New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC, but all of you who came from all over the United States to respond.

Today,I remember and I thank God for everyone one of you!