September 11, 2001.  A day our country will never forget.  Every single one of us has their own personal memories of where we were, what we were doing, how we reacted.  And whether we personally were affected or merely watched in horror as the events unfolded; we are all forever changed.  Individually.  As families.  As a country.

Each year we remember, we pray for those lost and each year the events are re-played via mass media.  Each year I am heartbroken for the families, friends, co-workers, first responders who are forced to relive those first moments, hours, days.  We all have our own tragedies, deaths and anniversaries of unpleasant life events and yet ours aren’t replayed hours on end each year via CNN.  We are given the gift of time to heal and move on with our lives.  Looking back in snippets as our hearts and minds allow.  Those directly affected by 9/11 have 364 days a year to become strong only to have the scab ripped off annually.  And I can’t imagine.

So each year, my mind returns to the first Sunday at Mass after the attacks.  My throat still catches as I remember the woman in the pew deep in prayer, accompanied by sobs and tears. I know she is but one of thousands who mourned those days, who still mourn.  And I pray for their healing.  For our healing.  To not be ruled by fear and to practice forgiveness.  We can only live life one day at a time.  Let us make the most of them.

Psalm 23

 ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
he leads me beside quiet waters, 
 ³ he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me along the right paths 
   for his name’s sake. 
⁴ Even though I walk 
   through the darkest valley,^[a] 
I will fear no evil, 
   for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, 
   they comfort me.

 ⁵ You prepare a table before me 
   in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
   my cup overflows. 
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me 
   all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
   forever.

 ⁵ You prepare a table before me 
   in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
   my cup overflows. 
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me 
   all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
   forever.