I don’t remember 9/11 happening, but I remember seeing the massive empty space where the World Trade Center should have been.
Ever since I can remember, New York City has been a familiar place to me. My aunt and her family lived there for a long time, and since my aunt and my mom are really close, my family would often make the short flight up to visit.
We made one of those trips sometime after 9/11. As usual, we went to the city for a day. It was pretty normal as a kid—getting chocolate-covered gummy bears at the massive Toys R Us, my mom and sister going shopping, and walking through Central Park.
But one thing was different. Back then, I didn’t exactly understand why. All I knew was there was an empty space where there shouldn’t be one. It felt wrong. It felt sad.
Though I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of what I was seeing, the moment was so poignant that it stuck with me. I can still see that image in my head.
Today, I am praying for all of those who lost loved ones during the 9/11 attack. I pray for the surviving witnesses. And I pray that today can bring all of us peace and hope even in the brokenness.
Sincerely,
E.J.
The Story Canvas 
Sincere tribute. I do not remember the day by virtue of being there, living it. I do remember, being in communications at the time, knowing of it as it unfolded. I fancy myself immune to sentiment, fear, physical anxiety. I nonetheless went weak in the knees with the first teletype, immediately thinking Pearl Harbor. Indeed. Thoughts to the victims and selfless responders who suffered then and since; shame on a global community that then and now allows such to happen. Thank you for the read.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment 😊
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