I Remember...

Today is always a difficult day for me. Not Friday, but the date – 9/11.

So many people were impacted by what happened 8 years ago on this date. For me, it could have been so much worse. Every time 9/11 comes around, I think of how much worse it could have been. And while I am thankful that is wasn’t, I am deeply saddened by the losses that others experienced.

My sister worked at the World Trade Center, on one of the floors above where the planes hit. She was supposed to start work at 9am. She was late on 9/11. Just late enough to be alive. She would take the subway to work, and exit the stop before WTC. She would walk the last block to work. On 9/11 she exited the subway, as usual, and was greeted by the chaos that was occurring. The first plane had already flown into the first tower. She made the decision to jump back on the subway, not thinking that the next stop was WTC. The doors opened up and she was there at what is now ground zero. She did not exit, but continued on to the next stop, where she did exit – just as the second plane hit the second tower. She ran for her life.

She lost co-workers and friends, but did not lose her life. And for this, I am eternally grateful.

On this date, I am remembering all those who lost their lives. Those at WTC, those at the Pentagon, those in Pennsylvania, and those in the military. I am grateful to all of those who serve our country, from the fire and police personnel who risk their lives to help others, to the military, who fight for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

Why am I going on and on about this? What does it have to do with fitness?

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration – something to push us a little harder. Today my inspiration is one of remembrance and gratefulness. When I workout today, I will do so for those who died on this date 8 years ago, and those who continue to fight for our freedoms. I remember.