On this day, September 11, 2014 many of us are reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001. 13 years later we are still filled with much of the emotion felt on that very day. As we send our students off to school, we try to prepare them for what they may hear today, or the moments of silence they may be asked to observe. Many of them were too young to understand that day, but today understand how the events of that day changed the way we live our lives.

We continue to feel the loss of that day. First responders continue to deal with illness as a result of their selfless heroics that day. Their families still continue to feel the loss as many of them are losing their battle with cancer. Young families faced with continuing on without their heroes. Many more families still deal with the outcome of this sudden tragedy. Today and everyday, we continue to feel their loss and the loss of a freedom we may have taken for granted. That day changed us forever.

Today’s blog is written in collaboration with our contributor Ben Kimmel. Ben completed the seven day gratefulness challenge today. In his final post on the subject, Ben clearly expresses his personal loss on September 11, 2001 and his feelings about living in this country. Although this is a personal story, it conveys the feeling and emotion shared by so many of us.

This is my final day of my gratefulness challenge and it falls on the anniversary of a terrible time. However, to be grateful in spite of threat is a victory.

1) Though I may not stand in a large crowd; I am grateful for the colors in our Flag and what it represents in my heart. I still believe in and love my country. I will not surrender and I will always remember because united we stand, but divided we fall.

2) I am fortunate that in this life, I knew Father Mychal Judge (Casualty#0001 9/11/01.) The loving kindness he showed has never left my memory. And though he died tragically; he died as I assume he would have wanted it to be. Father Mike died while issuing a man’s last rites.

He died while delivering one of the seven sacraments; while anointing the sick, he led the way for more than 3,000 souls lost on that September morning. I knew Father Mike well. And for this, I will always be grateful.

3) Since this is my final commitment to this challenge, I will be open and admit to the truth of my emotion. As I record my post today, September 11 2014, my eyes water with tears because I am a New Yorker and I was there. I remember. I sometimes forget emotion is truly a gift.

To feel, to live; to smile or weep means that I have ability in my heart. And though there are days when I wish I could turn cold or emotionless, I continue to feel, because this is who I am. And who I am above all is something to be grateful for.

I have learned the importance of friendship and I have also learned over the years that there are no friends like old friends.
Thank you for reading this very special blog today. We hope that it will share sorrow, bring comfort and serve as a reminder that this life changing event has made each of us stronger.

Written by Denise Visco and Ben Kimmel, The Written Addiction www.thewrittenaddiction.com