Reflecting on 9/11: Remembering the Day the World Changed, and the Day We Came Together

Every year when September 11th arrives, my mind goes straight back to New York. At that time, I was living and working on Long Island. I was blessed to be earning a great income, and I was dating a local police officer. Life was moving fast. Then, in a single blink of an eye, the world as we knew it came crashing to a sudden end.

My professional world shifted instantly, but that was absolutely nothing compared to the unimaginable pain and loss that so many others endured that morning.

That day humbled most of us. But in the dark days that followed, something beautiful happened. The walls between us fell away. The hate and anger disappeared. We checked on our neighbors. We flew our flags. Our country came together with a level of love, unity, and kindness that I will never forget.

In today’s world—where we see so much anger, division, and violence on the news every day—I find myself wishing more than ever that we could remember that unity. We shouldn’t need a tragedy to remind us how to love one another.

Today, from the porch of the Jeremiah Mason House, I ask everyone to stop for just a moment. Please think of the innocent lives lost and the families who still carry that empty space in their hearts. Let us also say a deeply grateful thank you to the brave servicemen, women, and first responders who fought for us, protected us, and gave their lives so we could live in freedom.

We would love to welcome you for a spring stay.