Here we are, 25 years later. It doesn’t feel real. But at the same time, I wasn’t directly affected by this tragedy. It was possible – I’ll explain that part later on.

Around this time every year, I watch and listen to Peter Jennings’ coverage of that day. He was a remarkable reporter. September 11th was a herculean effort for everyone who was a reporter and those who worked in the news that day. But Peter Jennings was a true anchor. He was on the air for over 12 hours. His voice, despite the tremendous circumstances and tragedies involved, was a source of comfort.

For a long time after September 2001, I couldn’t bear to see any videos of the attacks, particularly the planes hitting the World Trade Center. At some point, that changed. I felt obligated to watch it again, even it was just a few minutes to mark that year’s anniversary. I’ve committed to that every year for a while now. I consistently go back to Peter Jennings because of his professionalism, among other qualities.

He died on my birthday in 2005. He admitted, when he announced that he had lung cancer, that he smoked over 9/11. I can’t blame him in the slightest. That day was so stressful for the entire world.

---

Today, I prayed during the times that the planes hit. I thought of the 2,977 victims. I thought of the people who haven’t been identified yet, although genetic genealogy is helping with that effort. In my ears, I heard Peter Jennings’ voice. I wore one of my favorite shirts that’s red and white stripes.

The biggest thing that’s different now, from any other anniversary of these events, is that I’m a mom now. I remember sobbing even harder during September 11, 2023, knowing that I was pregnant with my daughter, knowing that she would be entering the world where everything changed on that brilliant sky blue Tuesday.

Now, when I look at Addy, I have an even deeper appreciation for everyone who was affected on September 11, 2001. I can’t imagine what it would feel like or be like to lose Addy.

I mentioned earlier that my family wasn’t directly affected by these events, but it was possible. Here’s why. My mom’s cousin, Sherri, has a loft in SoHo. She’s lived there for decades. It’s a few blocks from where the World Trade Center was.

Naturally, on September 11, 2001, my mom was frantic, trying to get in touch with her. We were relieved to learn, much later on that day/evening, that she was safe with her mom, my grandpa’s sister, in Florida. What gave us chills was that she was actually supposed to be in one of the towers that day. On Tuesdays, she was normally in an exercise class in the massive complex. She had decided, the weekend before, to travel to Florida to spend time with her mom. That decision saved her life. But she felt so guilty about it afterward.

I don’t know how she marks these anniversaries. But every time I tell that story, people are moved. It matters.

It doesn’t change the fact that 2,977 people lost their lives that day. There are still so many questions.

I was able to visit the memorial site for the first time this past November with Al during our 10th wedding anniversary trip. It’s astounding to think that these giant reflecting pools are there where two 110-story buildings used to be. Having visited the towers many times before September 11, 2001, I stood there, looking at the names, hearing the waterfalls, and being incredibly moved.

25th Anniversary Coverage