Remembering and Looking Forward

Yesterday marked a time for all Americans to sit still and remember.   The happenings on September 11th, 2001 are still so fresh in my mind.  Like many of you, I can recall everything about that day.  It's amazing how I can't remember why I went into a room, but I can remember every last detail of one tragic day. 

While yesterday was a date for remembrance, I spent some time reflecting on what J and I were doing on that date last year.  On September 11th, 2010, we had our baby shower for our little boy.  I had been hesitant to schedule the shower on a day marked by sadness.  But, I remembered what I had heard many people say after tragedy... It's important to celebrate a person's life, not dwell on their death.  And while I will never forget what happened that day so many years ago, I realized it was just as great a day to celebrate a new life. 

Thinking back on the days leading up to and the days after our baby shower, I shake my head that we were readying the house for a party and saying goodbye to family afterward, not knowing that little Finley would arrive just 9 days later. 

In our house, September 11th will always be marked as a day of mixed emotions.  And, it will always be close to our hearts.