We all know where we were that fateful morning. How shocked and appalled we all felt. More importantly we remember how we treated each other for a long time after the towers fell. Our words were kinder, we were more patient, we made more of an effort to help our neighbors and reach out to our loved ones.
It’s been ten years now and some of those memories and emotions have faded. There are some that I think we should hold on to, forever.
I used to call my sisters and brothers every once in a while, when I thought of it (my parents have been gone a long time). Since 9-11 I’ve made it a point to call them every two weeks. It has made a huge difference in our relationship. Same thing with my children and grandchildren, I make the effort to speak/email/text at least weekly. I always tell them I love them and if I can get my hands on them they’ll either be hugged or kissed! (The boys HATE kisses right now, LOL!). Thank goodness for FaceBook, it’s allowed my whole family to reconnect.
I know what you’re thinking….this is all a one way street. Shouldn’t they be calling or hugging? Well, yes, I suppose so, but the most important thing I learned ten years ago is they can disappear in a heartbeat. Not that I didn’t understand that in some rather abstract way prior to then, but that day brought it home in a most profound manner. I don’t want to wake up some day, having lost someone I neglected or took for granted, when I could have taken a MOMENT to reach out to them. I’m not talking about long diatribes or being paranoid, just reaching out. Tell your kids you love them as they jump out of the car at school, or as you send them out the door to the bus. Maybe a note in their lunch bag or in your husband’s coat pocket. Call your friend just to touch base or say you’re sorry, especially if you’re sorry.
So here’s the point of all this, don’t let daily life get in the way of letting those closest to you know you care. Family or friends, just a note or a call, maybe a quick text, it doesn’t take much and can make a profound difference is someone’s life.
Mitzi Anthony is the Marketing Rep for Choice Title LLC, you can respond here, or contact her directly mitzi@choicetitle.com
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Her weekly Blog can be found here.
Tags: american flag, Baton Rouge, Choice Title, Fans, first responders, honoring victims, Louisiana, New ORleans, remembrance, September 11th, Twin towers