I woke up this morning with a heavy heart. It’s September 11^th again. Fourteen years have gone by. How is that possible? I followed our morning routine and got the kids out the door for school and then sat for a moment to watch the news and see how people were remembering. I was surprised none of the talk shows were talking about 9/11 when I quickly searched various channels. I guess since it has been fourteen years the news stations don’t feel the need to have all day long coverage like they used to. I wonder how that makes the families who lost someone that day feel? Eventually, various of the news shows paused for their moment of silence when the first plane struck. I sat and watched and sighed. All those people lost on the same horrible day.

I remembered all the things I always do when 9/11 rolls around again, where I was when I heard, what I did for the rest of the day and who I was lucky enough to go to sleep with that night. I looked on Facebook and saw that several of my friends were remembering also, where they were, what they did that day and days after.

Then it struck me, I was comforted knowing we were all mourning today again, together. Many people across the country and the world are also having my same experience today. Going about their day, but with a heavy heart. Today is a day of community mourning and that made me feel better. Being in the same boat with so many. A shared experience of sorts.

For many mourning and grief is such a private cross to bear. Many grieve alone and in private from others. So, this day of knowing so may others are remembering feels like a revelation to me. I am, of course, not happy we are having to cross this road together but there is a power and a strength of togetherness.   We are not alone.

So, here I am just like you thinking about this day fourteen years ago and sending you a hug.