But not forgotten...

Nine years ago today, something awful happened.    We, the US, were victims of an unprecedented attack.   Thousands of people died while going about their normal lives.   Moms & Dads, Husbands & Wives, Sisters & Brothers, Friends & Lovers, took their leave of one another with, never kept, promises, to “see you later”.   Many more were lost through bravery, duty, and simple human kindness. 

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 someone assured me that things would go back to normal.   I knew, that for me, and others who were living in the NY Metro area, DC/VA & Eastern PA, at the time, that would never happen.   We would, and have, achieved a new normal, even a good one, but, even with that, our lives will always be divided into before and after.   “Never Forget” will always be more than a touching slogan or a pithy bumper sticker.  

How do I feel?   Sad, with the heavy memories of that day and the weeks following;   Angry, that those not directly affected, seem so willing to “just move on” and expect me to do the same;   Furious, at those who would use our pain for political gain or worse as an excuse to promote ethnic and/or racial hatred;    Hopeless, that things will be any different next year or the one after that.