But this will likely be the last year that I will personally acknowledge this date. What happened two years ago does not define my family's past and most certainly does not define my family's future. I don’t want my life to be measured as “before the storm” and “after the storm.” That day tested us, it changed us and in its own way, it improved us. But I refuse to let it define the rest of my life.
As for me, I'll look forward to see what the next 25 years hold: a few more work challenges, travel, semi-retirement, maybe grandkids (no hurry on that one) and a general mellowing of life.
The only thing I really choose to honor from that time is the feeling of community, respect, compassion and concerted effort that emerged and that we need to work to maintain.
wwm