Is there anyone in the world who cannot tell you what they were doing on September 11th? Most of us cannot remember what we did all last week, but we can tell you where we were at the moment that changed the world – what we were doing and exactly what we did the entire day. How we felt, what we ate, who we called, and the images that touched us the most are all factors of this date embedded in our brains forever. For most of us, the months that followed were emotional and stressful. I found myself being addicted to the newscasts all day long and hoping that there were more survivors.
When my family found out through all the army of doctors treating me, exactly what was wrong with me and how were were going to move forward to treat my disease, it was a similar moment. For me personally, I did not realize the impact on my entire family until I was close to adulthood, but it was the same impact. We were all consumed with thoughts and questions – what we were going to do, how we were going to focus on the treatments, the dynamics of the family unit, and where will it leave us in the end. The similarity was so familiar to me when 9/11 happened, although on a much different level, it still had a profound impact on the entire family. When we are faced with life and death, so very close to home, we usually go on auto-pilot. At least that is what my family did. It is how we survived and got to the place we are today. As for the writing of my book, it completed the task of therapy for me, as well as my siblings and close family members.
Take the time to remember those who were lost that day, the helpless victims and the brave heroes, and show those who are important to you just how much you care. Everything can change in the blink of an eye and we shouldn’t take things for granted.
