This morning

Every year since 9/11/01 my mother, my husband and I go to the 9/11 memorial at Sherwood Island on the morning of 9/11. This year was no exception. Every year there are fewer and fewer people there, but it makes it no less poignant especially when there are people there clearly grieving someone who's name is carved into the memorial.

This morning there was a man there who's face was the absolute picture of grief-stricken. Just looking at his face made me well up with tears and I was once again struck by just how lucky I was that day -- how lucky I am. My mother was in the WTC when it happened and she (obviously) escaped. Every year when I see the mourners at the 9/11 memorial at Sherwood Island or on TV at "Ground Zero" I am reminded just how close I was to becoming one of them.

Coincidentally on my way into the office this afternoon I heard a song I've never heard before by a singer I've never heard of before and that song really spoke to me along these same lines. The song is There Is So Much More by Brett Dennen. The particular lyrics that struck me:

In a world with suffering,
Why should I be so blessed?