I am writing this on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks on the World Trade Center. So take this all in, because I'm sure all the family and friends of the victims would say the same.

Always say your goodbyes. Never go to bed angry. Say goodnight. Wish loved ones good morning. Tell those around you how much they matter. Tell those you love how much you love them. Be friendly to those around you. Be compassionate. Be kind. Be thoughtful.

You do not always get to know that the last time is the last time. Do not take any moment for granted. Why leave angry when you could leave feeling love? Why go to sleep crying when you can find a way to laugh? Too angry to kiss them goodbye as they get into the car? What happens when that is the last goodbye you get? We are all a little entitled, we all assume that we will have more opportunities and that we will always have the opportunity to make things better. Well we don't.

On the flip side, you don't get to know what people are going through when you interact with them. In New York City, how many people do you think were rude to one another on September 12, 2001? My guess is a rare few. My guess is people understood the loss and were going through loss themselves. With that, who are you to know that the people you are interacting with didn't lose someone or go through a major crisis just the day before? This World would be a better and more understanding place if we were able to show kindness and walk in the shoes of others. Perspective gives us the opportunity to love and allow others to love us.

So as I reflect on the tragic event that occurred 15 years ago today I remember I should go apologize to any toes I have stepped on recently, because nobody knows what tomorrow brings. I realize that I should call my mom and my grandparents and my dad sister and brother because I do not want to take that opportunity for granted. I should stop fighting with my girlfriend because I love her and I would never want to regret having a sour taste in my mouth. I should check in with my best friend from home and make sure her day is going okay because I cannot predict the future. As I reflect, I realize every moment should be used to celebrate the fact that we get a chance to live and love with the people around us.

Never forget September 11,2001, and never take for granted the chances this life gives us.