As I was driving to work this morning, I was doing what I suppose a large majority of Americans were doing today. Reflecting on 9/11/01. Reflecting on the unfathomable idea that 12 years ago today, we lost 2 magnificent buildings, three planes, and thousands of lives. A nation plunged into the depths of what it means to grieve and question together. But, as thoughts are wont to do much of the time, they started to wander and I started thinking about me 12 years ago. Twelve years ago:
1. I didn't plan on having kids, ever. Now I have 2 and I cannot imagine life without them. Best decision I ever made.
2. My father-in-law was alive and the cancer had not reared its ugly head yet.
3. I had been married for 6 years. Now, I am on the threshold of divorce, and ready to move on to the next chapter of my life.
4. My husband and I were talking about adopting a puppy. The puppy wasn't born yet. He is a senior dog now.
5. My husband and I were finally first time homeowners. Since then, we have moved once.
6. I weighed about 40 pounds less and had awesome metabolism.
7. I had a year under my belt at my job and was desperately looking to leave. I have now been there 13 years and I love my career.
8. I was in graduate school for the 2nd time. Now I'm lucky if I understand homework instructions for my 2nd grader.
9. I had 1 best friend and was a huge introvert. I now have 5 best friends (still including the 1 from 12 years ago) and a whole host of other friends and acquaintances that I love hanging out with. I am truly lucky to have all these amazing people in my life.
10. I did not use Facebook, write a blog, have a smart phone, or a Kindle, or even a laptop. I think we used WordStar software at work. Anyone remember that????
The lesson here, of course, is how quickly things change as time marches on (cliche, I know, but very true). I will leave you with this final thought. I have a very vivid memory of me, sitting on the front porch of our recently acquired house, by myself at dusk, lighting a candle for those lost in the tragedy. I had heard on the news that they wanted people all across the country to do this. I don't know how many people participated, but I did. I cried and I held the candle. Live every moment, love every day, and always remember.
