September 11, 2019
Eighteen years later it feels different Each year has been different. I was distracted briefly by a foot injury and the recent acquisition of a boot. I had carpool duty today where I was opening doors for arriving cars. I considered asking someone to trade with me, but today of all days is about resilience. In prior years, I would worry that I might be in tears all morning and let’s face it that would be a terrible way to greet elementary school children as they leave their parents and come to school. I did not cry, well at least not at carpool.
So upward and onward I went up the hill to my post walking slowly with my boot behind my son when I am usually the one outpacing him. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It is how I woke up today. There is heartbreak too, but I was a lucky one that day. I just missed a subway (I wrote about that here if you would like more of the story). Today I am grateful. Grateful that I have carpool duty, a beautiful family and a beautiful life. It is still a beautiful life even with an injured foot or an argument about how to study for a spelling test or an argument with my husband. I have a beautiful life and for that I am grateful, especially today.
I am sending a big hug to New York, especially to all those who lost somebody they love.
XO,
JAE
I have also written about September 11, 2001 here, here and here. I am currently writing historical fiction about the event.
the navy leopard 