Honoring 9/11 eight years later

It is this day every year that my heart is heavy. It does not seem that eight years have passed since the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01. I can remember as vividly as if it were yesterday exactly what I was doing that morning and what ensued in the following hours and days. I wonder if it's normal to feel such an impact eight years later, to grieve as freshly as I did that day. I hope everyone does, to be honest; it's something that should never be forgotten. I didn't know anyone personally who was a victim, my closest tie at the time was a cousin living in Brooklyn. I've since met many people who were in NYC or Washington D.C. that day. Though I didn't know anyone directly affected that day, it still feels extremely personal to me. I hope it does to you too.

Today, we have a nephew in Afghanistan, serving in the Army. Our thoughts and prayers are with you every day, Tom, but especially today. Thank you for your service to all Americans in protecting our freedom. Freedom is not free.

Today is also my father in law's birthday! 80 years!! I'm sorry that you now have to share your special day with memories of such a tragedy. But we love you and wish you a wonderful day.

If any of you were in NYC or Washington that day, or lost a friend or loved one that day, my thoughts are with you today. I have not forgotten. I hope none of us has. God Bless the USA.