September 11th

Much like it did on 9-11-01 and many 9/11's since, my phone rang just before 9a today, the voice and location on the other end were the same but rather than being filled with fear and uncertainty, the voice had a sense of nostalgia and tradition. Outside, it was a distinctive September day, distinctive now perhaps because 9/11/01 made crystal blue skies with white puffy clouds and a hint of chill in the air the collective memory of September days for those who lived through that unforgettable time. I wondered if this anniversary would be any easier than the past eight. As the day has progressed, I am struck by how easily the emotions of that day and time are brought to the surface.
As time marches on and does it job of dulling the pain and drying the tears of the past we must never forget...
As many of you may remember we gathered on 9-28-01 and toasted...
In loving memory of those we lost...
In grateful tribute to those who serve...
We shall raise our glasses and celebrate life tonite.
Those words rang true that magical nite nearly 9 years ago and serve now to remind me, and perhaps now some of you, to recall not only what we lost, 411 souls who perished running in to the towers, and 2585 more who perished trying to escape the towers, the Pentagon and a plane in Pennsylvania and a sense of security and innocence we should never fully regain. They also serve to remind me to celebrate and appreciate what we have because you never know how a random Tuesday could be the day that changes your life forever...