Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembrance

Today I remember the sadness, heartache and fear I had living in New York City on September 11th one decade ago.
Today I remember the bravery of the NYFD, NYPD and all first responders running into burning buildings to save strangers lives, only to give their own. Who thought the buildings would fall to the ground?
Today I remember what it was like to walk out of my NYC apartment and feel truly afraid, for the first time in my life.
Today I remember the fear I felt walking into my apartment not knowing if home was safe.
Today I remember what it was like to walk on the streets of the city and not be able to see a place that wasn't covered with signs and posters asking have you seen...my daughter, my son, my husband, my wife, my mother, my father or my friend? Faces of innocent people.
Today I remember the tractor trailers that drove down Broadway in a convoy. I remember the tears that fell down my face when I realized their purpose while I stood waiting to cross the street.
Today I remember solid, good people I knew who perished, yet I'm mindful of all who lost their lives.
Today I remember the smell of burning rubble that lasted for months after the attack.
Today I remember the nightmares I could not shake for quite some time. As an American, I felt violated. As a New Yorker, I felt attacked. As a human, I felt extreme sadness and disbelief by my species.
Today I remember being impressed by President Bush who pulled our country together in the face of adversity. A President who started the first month of his term confronted with the worst attack on our country in history.
Today I remember what it felt like being "trapped" on an island. Manhattan is an island.
Today I remember the unity and toughness of New Yorkers bonding in a difficult time.

Today I am reminded how lucky I am to be an American.
Today I am reminded that the most important place in life is being home surrounded by those we love.
Today I am reminded that I love creating homes for people that feel safe and happy.
Today I am reminded that I have not forgotten a single element and how I felt this day ten years ago.
Today I am reminded that I was changed on 9/11.

Today I hope you are celebrating life without fear, yet with remembrance. God Bless America.

9 comments:

The enchanted home said...

Lisa..this was beautiful. I am paralyzed with sadness as this day profoundly affected me and everyone for that matter for the rest of our lives. It is foever etched in my mind, and I too haven't forgotten even 10 years later a single minute from that horrific day.
Amen to God Bless America!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

What an awful day that was. My son, then 6, saw Flight 93 fly low over his school at the base of the mountain in PA close to Shanksville. I remember how it touched so many of us in so many towns and cities. 10 years is a long time but that day will always be a fresh memory.

Unknown said...

Here in England they keep talking about that horrible day on TV. I find it so hard to watch because it just makes me feel so deeply sad. Each and every person who died was an indvidual with families and people who loved them, with their own stories. It has affected so many. It was definitely a day that I will never forget.
*kisses* HH

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Lisa, what a thoughtful post....it gave me chills.... It is amazing how something that happened 10 years ago comes back to memory like it was yesterday.

Richard Cottrell said...

Has to be a somber day for the people of NY City. A strong crowd, they took it proud and re-built, like it never happened. Thanks, Richard from My Old Historic House.

The French Tangerine said...

What a beautiful and heartfelt post! Thank you Lisa, for sharing!
Jan

Unknown said...

Such a touching post Lisa. Such a sad anniversary. Even the weather felt the same today.
xx

Anonymous said...

Just beautifully said and beautifully written, Lisa. I can't imagine what it must have been like to live in the city in the midst of this. It was so frightening for those of us who lived a safe distance away. I don't think any of us felt safe at the time. Thanks for sharing this. xo

STYLE'N said...

Wow Lisa-such a thoughtful and touching post. I still can't believe it has been 10 years. I remember I was at Logan Airport in Boston..about to board a flight..but we never ended up taking off. It was just pure chaos. Beautiful post!