September 11, 2011

This is a profoundly sad day for all of us, particularly those who mourn the direct losses of 9/11.  I did not know any amongst those who perished in the twin towers on 9/11 but they changed my life, collectively and individually.

In the dark days that followed, I read every word of the "Portraits of Grief" series in the New York Times. It was the first thing I read in the paper, every day, for all the days it ran.

And of course I wept. How could you not.

But as I read, I came to see a common thread among all those who died. They were vibrant, full of life.  People up and about, at work at the dreadful hour of 9am. People who wanted to live here, and work here. People who loved NYC with a passion. I knew not a single one, but I felt a connection because I too love NYC with a passion.

Today we will gather to celebrate their lives, to mark their too-soon-absence, to renew our vows to use this time they did not get to live wisely and well.  Yes, we shall weep. How could we not.

But when we turn away from the place of remembrance and mourning, let us dance!

Let us crank up the volume of the most energized music we can find, kick up our heels and dance! With wild abandon let us embrace life, let us embrace what comes next.

We have been given the most precious gift of all: more time. 

We will never forget those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Let us never forget to celebrate their lives with life.

Let us dance!