Its Been 21 Years Since September 11th and it Still Hurts

There are some moments that are so seared into our memories that it is impossible to forget, even if we try to.

Today is the 21st anniversary of September 11th. Though it has been more than two decades since that day, the pain and grief are both still fresh. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can’t help but shed a few tears.

The one thing I will always remember about that period is that for a brief moment, we were one people. It did not matter where one lived, who one voted for, or which deity one prayed to (if they believed in a deity in the first place). It only mattered that nearly 3000 innocent lives were taken by hate.

Given what is going on in the world right now, I wish that we would remember that unity for more than just one day. I wish that we would remember that we are all our sibling’s keepers. These days, we are divided by external factors and by some who take advantage of those divisions for personal or political gain.

May the memories of the victims, the first responders who died in the years since then due to the toxins from the wreckage, and those who gave their lives fighting against terrorism be a blessing. Z”l.

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Thank You First Responders

As the coronavirus ravages our country and our world, the message is clear. Stay home, avoid large groups and do everything that is reasonably possible to avoid becoming infected. But while most of are working or doing schoolwork from the comfort of our respective homes, there are people who cannot do that. To them, I say thank you.

Thank you to the doctors, the nurses and the administrative staff who are doing their best to keep the hospitals open and running.

Thank you to the pharmacies who stay open, knowing how important the medicines they dispense are to their customers.

Thank you to the police and firemen/women who are keeping us safe and alive in this time of utter chaos.

Thank you to the grocery stores that are still open, feeding us and providing a sense of normalcy.

Thank you to (most of) the politicians, who are doing everything they can to ensure that we, the public are kept in the loop.

It is because of you that we may survive the coronavirus.