I’ve spent the majority of the last week frustrated about dealing with thrush, not getting enough sleep, and battling various viruses in our home.
But days like today put everything in perspective.
What I remember most about the weeks that followed September 11, 2001 was the real feeling of people loving other people on the streets of New York City.
Perfect strangers would hug each other on the street corners. There was a palpable spirit of unity and everyone wanted to do something to help.
I volunteered to prepare and serve meals at Trinity Church to the many people who were searching for survivors at Ground Zero, but everyday I was turned away because there were too many people there to help.
I remember thinking, “I hope this lasts. I hope everyone, including myself, can remember the generosity, sense of community and compassion for humanity we feel in this moment.”
But as weeks turned into months I forgot, and life on the streets of New York mostly seemed back to normal.
48% of the people who died on September 11th had children under the age of 18.
And here I was this morning upset over the dirty dishes in the sink.
My children have their mother. What they need is a mother who finds joy in the seemingly trivial and mundane parts of the day. The endless meltdown diffusing and question answering and nose wiping and lunch making and book reading and dish washing and laundry doing are all things I get to do.
Remembering this, I have given myself an attitude adjustment.
Though I may not get the sleep I desire, I am thankful that I am able to wake up to a new day.
Though battling mastitis and thrush have not been easy, I am thankful to have access to natural remedies and medical doctors who can help me heal.
Though watching my children suffer through infections is heartbreaking, I am thankful they are overall very healthy and recover quickly.
There are men and women who sacrifice their lives daily, so that I am able to comfortably sit in a rocking chair reflecting on years past while my baby peacefully sleeps on my lap.
Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice. May we truly never forget.
Beautifully said, Holly.