Sadly, we face another 9-11 anniversary this week. Has it really been 13 years since America was attacked? To me it seems as though it were last week.
That day, September 11th, will forever be imprinted into my brain. I can remember exactly what I was doing at the very instant the breaking news flash appeared on my television screen. It was a horrific loss, frozen in time.
This past week, my husband and I were at our dentist’s office for our yearly check-ups. We needed additional appointments, so the receptionist proceeded to engage us into booking the necessary follow-up visits. As I finished booking my follow-up, she turned her attention to my husband.
As I walked out into the lobby, I heard her suggest September 11th as the day he should return. My husband hesitated for a moment, and then called out to me, asking if that would be a satisfactory date.
I, as my husband, was taken aback. Although both the dentist and her receptionist are young adults, I know they are both old enough to have witnessed September 11th. I found my voice quickly and gave a definitive “No that will not do. We will observe and mourn the loss of innocent life suffered on that tragic day. September 11th will not be a routine day for us. It never will be ever again.”
As we left the dental office, I was lost in thought. I saw the expression on the receptionist’s face when she realized that I was offended down to my core at her suggestion. I was disturbed that many in our nation look at September 11th as just another day. I felt sorrow in my heart for the families that lost so much on that horrific and dreadful day.
When a loved one has been lost, grief is a powerful emotion to overcome. When a loved one has been viciously lost, grief is complicated and can become almost impossible to overcome. I do not think 13 years is too long to ask a nation to remember a tragic attack on its citizens. I do not think 313 years is too long to ask a nation to remember a tragic attack on its citizens. Forgetting this tragedy invites it to happen again.
Remember 9-11. Remember the tragedy so many suffered with the loss of their loved ones. Re-engage with your family and express your love and commitment for each other. Doing so will improve the quality of your life and your happiness.
Remember, none of us knows the day of our death and one day, someone we love will be gone. Make your moments count be creating memories and strengthening your bonds together. Do it because one day, may just be too late.
Tracy Renee Lee is a funeral director, author and freelance writer. You can follow her blog at http://pushin-up-daisies.blogspot.com/, follow her on Twitter @PushnUpDaisies and visit her website at www.QueenCityFuneralHome.com.