kasey + sean: We Will Never Forget

11 years ago, sitting in first period Algebra, I never thought the devastation we sat and watched on TV would effect my life more than it effected any other American living thousands of miles away from The World Trade Center. Sure, I felt the sadness, fear, loss, and confusion. I didn't understand how something so tragic could happen to our people. I couldn't comprehend how other kids my age must feel when they lost someone that day. I felt the closeness it brought our nation as we became one to heal and fight this tragedy.

Now, 11 years later, Sean and I live across the street from the World Trade Center. Everyday we walk out the door and are greeted by the rising "Freedom Tower". Everyday we are subtlely reminded what happened 11 years ago. We often comment on what our neighborhood must have been like that day. We discuss what we would have done, or how we may have felt if we lived here that day. We marvel at the way all of Lower Manhattan is truly like a small family, embracing each other and the changes that 9/11 brought. It is way too big for us to comprehend but we feel proud to have this opportunity to live here. We feel honored to be surrounded by these strong people.

Today, on 9/11, I can't help but feel more effected than ever before. Is it because I live so close? Is it because I have been able to put myself in the shoes of those who were here? Or is it just that I am older and able to better understand the devastation? Is it because we are expecting this beautiful baby girl and are scared for the world she will grow up in?

Regardless, I feel it and my heart aches.

I pray that in this election year, 11 years later, we can all begin to focus less on the "You vs. Me" and more on the "US" that we all felt 11 years ago. We need to continue to stand as one and fight, instead of fighting against each other.