Never Forget. Never let them win by filling you with fear. Live with enthusiasm, live with love, take chances and expect the best. Have a backup plan, let it be just that… backup.

Never Forget.

Never Let Them Win.

When the towers came down on September 11.2001, it was a horrific day. So many feelings and emotions.

But… it was far away… for me. A good friend with family in New York was directly touched, as were other friends. We were not. Had no idea. The reality of 911 was through their experiences.

While you can try to empathize, it’s difficult to walk in the shoes of others. My 911 feelings were centered on the violation, the brutality, on compassion and empathy for the families and the communities – but it didn’t touch me directly. My strong feelings about 911 came from a different place than those whose communities, families and days were forever changed. Yes, mine was changed, but there’s a world of difference between a longer line in an airport and an empty spot at the dinner table.

Fast forward a couple of years. Feelings are different. My outrage lives on. I can’t understand the level of hate and violence… but now the touch can be felt deeply, closely.

When Eldest had walked past the SUV in Times Square prior to it being found, feelings changed. The riveting reality. The intense fear. It’s different now. It shouldn’t be, sometimes I question those feelings that should have been there all along, but it just is. It is when it’s your family. His 10019 zip code causes me to take pause some days.

Live your life and dream your dreams. Never… let the tools of their hatred be victorious by consuming you with fear.

Never Forget.

Never Let Them Win.