Rejoice in Living an Ordinary Day

Today is 9-11. It is a day to put aside petty differences, honor those who lost their lives, as well as those who survived the atrocity and now live with the scars. It is a day to go out into the world with intent and commitment. As this blog will be published on September 12, I will tell you now that this is precisely what I did. I walked my dog in the park and said hello to those I encountered. I spoke to my mother on the phone. I enjoyed a cup of dark, rich, black coffee. I went to work because I am blessed to be alive to do so, and to go to a job I love. I paused for a moment on Main Street in Sag Harbor to have an enjoyable conversation with a complete stranger. No politics. No division. No sprinting down the sidewalk, dull eyed, rushing, rushing, rushing to the next thing. Instead, a sunny greeting, a warm acknowledgment of a beautiful day, a smile, and some light conversation. I took my time. I walked in my garden with the Husband, picked vegetables and thanked God for his blessings. I lighted a candle in remembrance of my dear father. I had dinner at the Dock Restaurant in Montauk with the Husband. And I united two individuals in matrimony as I officiated their wedding. It was an ordinary day in many respects, but 9-11 will never be an ordinary day for me. To honor those who died, I rejoiced in having the opportunity to live an ordinary day, and endeavor to live my life with intention in the days to come. May all of those who no longer have that chance due to the events of 9-11 rest in eternal peace. And Peace be with you all.