Seven Years Bad Luck; Twice Over

It's been 14 years. I had just become a teenager. I remember sitting in social studies when I heard the announcement, not really understanding what had happened. I went home to an empty house. But I wasn't worried. I knew where my parents were. I knew where my brothers were. I knew that my family and friends were safe.

Every channel on the television showed the same images. Every eye in the world saw the same destruction. I didn't know at the time just how much this day would shape the rest of my life; the rest of most of our lives. I didn't lose anyone that day. I was fortunate enough. Which is why I didn't feel much towards what had happened. But as the years went by and as we continued to revisit the past, the enormity of September 11th, 2001 became more and more clear. That day didn't affect me as an individual. But as I grew past my teenage years and spent more time in the city that I love, it dawned on me that it affected me as a New Yorker.

The Twin Towers fell and too many people lost their lives due to a senseless act. Too many of our bravest had to sacrifice everything, and I mean everything, trying to save as many as they could. And those that walked away still suffer the consequences, even now. Whether they are haunted by memories or are burdened by the physical effects, they continue to live with that day, always.

In the time that has followed, the city has rebuilt itself. It's become bigger and stronger. And in that time we have grown stronger as well. We came together as a city and helped one another in our time of need. And in dire times since we have done the same.

But all too often there are those that choose to focus on the negative and try to find someone to blame; someone to point a finger at, or sometimes even worse. It is in our darkest times that we either see the light in one another, or try to drown others in our own darkness. We must focus on the good. We must choose the path that leads to a better tomorrow and a brighter future. And we must do this at all times. Not just when the proverbial shit hits the fan.

I'm not a preacher. I'm hardly the poster boy for religion. And at times like this I don't look to any gods above. I look to the people around me. And I choose to surround myself with love. And with kindness and compassion and caring. The little hate that I have, I keep to myself and use to fuel my workouts. I don't claim to be a good person. But I try to be. And I think we could all stand to be better.

I just turned 27 and I don't know where my life is headed. But I know that I want to do good in the world. I hope that we can all do the same. And I hope it doesn't take death and destruction for us to want to change for the better.

I'll get off of my soapbox now. But I just want to say one last thing. I love New York. I love the buildings that make up the best skyline in the world.  I love that at any hour you can find a place to eat, or a drink to ease the pain. But it's the people that make this city so goddamn great. Let's keep doing so. 

Let's never forget.