we have to start over, or so it seems like it anyway, since 2001. We spent yesterday like most of you, watching some of the footage and then talking about where we were and what has passed in the last 10 years. And we said what you have probably said: things have never been the same since that awful day.
After the tragedies on September 11, we went to war. And just as we all still mourn for those who lost someone on that day, and even attempt to understand the sadness, the fear, the panic and the chaos, I on Sept 12, celebrate the strength of the nation, the friendship of strangers, the rise of heroes among us, and the continued tenacity of the average American.
My second son, C, was born on September 12. I was in my second stage of labor, and was pushing through the pain as I watched the one year anniversary of September 11 in the background, in a hospital bed in Germany. When C came into my arms as my first VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), it was a breath of new hope for me, that miracles can happen even in sadness and mourning.
We military families are still standing strong even after 10 years of conflict. Surely tired, as one could expect, from the lighting fast operational tempo; it's not an easy life for my generation and those young ones who came in after us. But, I don't have any regret or sadness that I have sent my spouse away. To support him is my small contribution of faith not just in his own need to help his country, but in my belief in public service. To honor those firefighters, policemen, and individuals that helped their neighbors during that crisis, and to celebrate the life that has since grown from that day.
I hope you all have a peaceful Monday.
