Today, the date of September 11 (not “9/11”), marks a very dark date in the history of the United States, where cowardly terrorists caused pain, anguish, injuries, and deaths in 2001. I won’t let them win by describing what they did — we all know that. Instead, today, I will pay tribute to the countless thousands of responders, both in professional positions (fire, law enforcement, EMS) and those who jumped in voluntarily to alleviate suffering and help as best they could.

I spent six months after that dreadful day doing my part in providing relief, and that included much time in New York City. It’s one reason why I have no plans ever to return to NYC … too many painful memories which still haunt me today.

But there’s more to this day than memories of those attacks…

This date was the date in 1998 when I found my Mom had died. We had shared a joke via email that morning, but when she didn’t answer the phone later that evening, after many attempts over several hours, my (then partner, now spouse) and I rushed to her home and found that she had died suddenly of a cardiac arrest. Man, even after 16 years, that memory still hurts. But life goes on.

I know my Mom knows that I loved her, and I tried to show her every day how I cared — from doing little things like a daily phone call to getting her groceries, doing home repairs, or just sitting and chatting during a visit. I say often at the close of this blog, “life is short: show those you love how you love them” — and I mean it by saying that you should do things for those you love often because for whatever reason, they may not be here tomorrow. Saying, “I love you” is one thing, while doing something that shows your love is another. I have no regrets — my Mom always knew that she could count on me, and that I loved her.

N.B.: the above is a repeat of a past post, but its words are as relevant today as they were when I wrote them years ago.

Taking a moment to wish a regular reader of this blog and someone who I enjoy regularly communicating with a very happy birthday! Best wishes, “OBMIT!” I am pleased that you have relegated whatever dress shoes you had to the dusty back corners of your closet and that you wear boots exclusively each day. Thank you for sharing your smiles. I wish you great joy and happiness.

Life is short: carry on!