On this September 11, again I pause and remember the pain and heartbreak of that day in 2001. I imagine myself and so many other will do the same every single year until forever.

I was just a kid really, a freshly minted college graduate who had spent the summer studying abroad to finish my degree and then traveling with family. It was my first “global” experience and the one that helped me spread my wings of courage, making me want more. To experience the people and places of this world that are knit together so beautifully.

On this September 11, again I pause and remember the pain and heartbreak of that day in 2001. I imagine myself and so many other will do the same every single year until forever.

I was just a kid really, a freshly minted college graduate who had spent the summer studying abroad to finish my degree and then traveling with family. It was my first “global” experience and the one that helped me spread my wings of courage, making me want more. To experience the people and places of this world that are knit together so beautifully.

It was impossible to grasp what was happening on that day. I was just a kid trying to “figure out” my adult life and next steps.

And yet, beautiful love and light filtered through that darkness. Everyone has stories of the kindnesses of strangers shown, of the bravery and sacrifice - all of which can only come from love. It is absolutely not possible for darkness to cover the light. The light shines. It shines in darkness. It always will.

In nearly 20 years of “becoming”, I have wept over the brokenness that still remains, yet with hope remember the light. There is joy. There is love. There are neighbors and family and friends. There is opportunity to pursue the light and to be the light.

Let’s make room to look for the light, friends.