13 Years Later

I'm feeling a little sentimental today on the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on New York City and Washington DC. I remember that day so clearly, the sadness and panic and feeling that the world would never be quite the same again. My sweet neighbor died in one of the planes that hit the towers, so even out in Kaysville, UT, the attack hit home.

I've been thinking about that tragedy a lot today, mostly I think because lately I've had some perfect (and I really mean perfect) moments with my kids the last few days. This September weather has been wonderfully warm and crisp and we've been outside enjoying rich blues skies and just a touch of red in the mountains. Yesterday we went to the park to feed the ducks. My boys giggled and quacked and loved every minute of it. Today we played out in the front yard blowing bubbles. I loved seeing my children run to pop them and squeal with delight. I can't really put into words how much I love experiencing the world through the eyes of these innocent little loves, but my heart just swells with gratitude that they are mine.

So as I've thought about the tragedy that happened 13 years ago contrasted with the love and happiness I've felt lately, I can't help but feel so grateful for this country. I'm grateful for the beautiful life I have here and the chance I have to raise my family here. There's no place I'd rather be.