Awoke this morning to my cpap machine shutting off on its own, always a wonderful way to start the day. I slept a few hours more without the machine. I awoke again peacefully and rested. I began to journal as I usually do in the early hours of the morning, wrote the date and stopped almost dead in my tracks. Memories flood my brain of this day, September 11, 2022. It was more than 20 years ago, I was a senior in high school, leading a retreat. We were unaware of the events that had taken place that morning, due to the lack of technology then also the lack of communication being in a remote place. By noon, they informed us all of the events that had unfolded and we were instructed to go back by busses to St. Mary’s Ryken. I remember my mom picking me younger sister and I up at the school soon after. I rushed in the door to put on the news, and saw the footage of the attack in NYC and DC. At the time I had very little world knowledge and could not fathom why this was happening. As I reflect today, the world has changed since that moment, when so many lost their lives, and so many fought desperately to save them.

The day is a solemn one, where every American will pause and remember that day. As I sit in reflection, emotions work against my reason. I get them down into my journal, every emotion that comes up. Since I am well rested, and have taken that step to capture my emotional mind, I am starting the day in a good head space. The mindfulness of starting the day in a near meditative state to honor the fallen and the heroes who fought to find them, has left me in a reasonably present mood.

To all of the men and women, the fallen, those who served our country during this time and presently, thank you for protecting our freedom. Your efforts will always and forever be remembered. This world, this country of the United States of America, remembers the events that day, 21 years ago. It is a time to reflect and be grateful for the freedoms we are allowed. It is a time to remember those who fought and still fight for our great country. In the midst of all of these memories and emotions, I am at peace and deeply mindful of this day and moment.

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