There have been alot of blogs today about remembering those who lost their  lives on 9/11/01.  I can't believe it's been 7 years.  For me this day has a very personal sad note because a distant family member was murdered that day.

 

The cousin of my ex (who was my husband at the time) lost her loving husband, the father of her two children aged 5 and 10 at the time that day.  Miriam was at my wedding and I saw her many times over the years.  Her husband, a college football player, a former marine and pilot for United Airlines was piloting the 2nd plane that hit the World Trade Center that day.   He had last spoken with Miriam at about 8:10 that morning as he was preparing to leave the airport in Boston.  Less than an hour later he was dead.

 

I attended his memorial service outside of Philadelphia.  I will never forget the sadness.  The 21 gun salute by the marines, their precision as they guarded the church.  The top brass from United Airlines who were there, but the image I will never forget is that of those to precious children bringing up the gifts during the mass.  They had a football, a jersey, a marine sword amongst other personal items.  All items that defined his life.

 

Anyway, I will always remember 9/11/2001 for what was taken away, but also as a New Yorker I will remember the skyline before the towers were built, the skyline during the long years of construction, and now the skyline with the towers gone.

 

Thank you to everyone who paused today and remembered these who lost their lives 7  years ago.