Today silently belongs to the many that lost their lives nine years ago.
My husband was part of a crew from Los Angeles County Fire that flew over to New York three weeks after the attacks. These guys escorted grieving Fire Families to funerals, held children, supported their "brothers" and families in any way possible.
When my husband returned from the trip, he was a changed person. Something was lost, part of that twinkle in his eye had gone. It was obvious he had left a piece of himself in New York City. To this day we still hold, in a sealed bag, the uniform he wore while walking the ruins of the Twin Towers. NO ONE in this house messes with that bag - some things are forever sacred.
Many people lost their lives, however, this is where it hits home for us -
"A total of 411 emergency workers who responded to the scene died as they attempted to rescue people and fight fires. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) lost 341 firefighters and 2 FDNY paramedics. The New York City Police Department lost 23 officers. The Port Authority Police Department lost 37 officers, and 8 additional EMTs and paramedics from private EMS units were killed."
One year later I boarded a plane with a baby and toddler and flew to New York City. The kids and I wanted to see "Daddy" march in respect for all of New York's fallen firemen at a planned memorial. During our short stay, we visited the Twin Towers site to pay our respects. I can be a pretty tough cookie at times, but will admit that I instantly burst into tears looking upon the site. My kids were too young to remember the visit, but rest assured, we will remind them of the day they indeed paid their respects.
Don't forget to love the ones close...
Please, please, please don't ever forget...see ya next week ~
