Recently, I visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York. I did not think I would be as taken back by the experience as I was. I knew we lost thousands of civilians due to the 9/11 tragedy, but seeing the 3,000 names engraved in the reflecting pools left me astonished. The whole memorial was personal and heart-wrenching.
If I were to say, "Your life is about to end. You have 10 seconds to say something to anyone," what would it be? You probably would not know how to begin. Saying your final words to someone is incredibly complex. Who would you talk to first? Your other half, your mom or dad, a relative, a best friend? What would you start off with? What would you mention? How long do you have before your plane is going to crash? Do you have five minutes to articulate what you want to tell them, or do you have three seconds? All of these questions stormed my mind as I heard the conversations between the people on the plane and their loved ones. Constant chills bombarded my body as I saw videos of the smoky buildings collapsing. The exhibit played messages of the people stuck in the Twin Towers and emergency services. All my emotions were heightened, but could you imagine how the people on those planes felt?
Immediately, I was grateful for my life and all it has to offer. I get to wake up the next morning. I get to breathe, talk, walk, laugh, eat, exercise, etc. I get to spend time with my family and friends. I get to experience new adventures. And those people, those people were robbed of their life. They will never be able to do these kinds of things again.
It is so easy to take the little things for granted. I am guilty as well, but it is something that I am working on. So, don't be afraid to say how you really feel to those close ones around you because in the long run, will you regret not having the chance to say it at all?
Lastly, thank you to the 9/11 Memorial Museum for remembering those lives that were lost, all the selfless fire fighters, police men, paramedics, and civilians who aided those in the calamity, and for reminding me to cherish everything I have before it is too late.
