2974

The number of people who lost their lives 11 years ago.

I read an article today about a widow who received a piece of paper.  The paper was written by her husband who was trapped on the twenty-second floor after the second plane hit.  The handwriting was harsh, in the mere seven words describing their location and number of people trapped, you could feel fear.  The note was found in the rubble and handwriting later matched (in addition to a blood sample on the paper) and finally presented to the widow.  It seemed like a blessing and a curse for her, as she had prayed that he had not suffered and been trapped.  Her last loving hope for her husband was that he had a quick and painless death since the second plane hit merely feet away from his floor.  When given this note, I can only imagine she felt as if her prayer fell on deaf ears.

I wonder how many people feel this way, even eleven years later.  How many thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands, know someone who died?  How many people are intimately connected with this day?  How many people feel like their prayers didn't count?

The heartbreaking reality sunk deep into my thoughts.  We will never know the reason for the injustice of kids growing up without parents, spouses living without their soulmate, daughters walking down the aisle without their fathers.  We are left with the harrowing realization that prayers aren't always answered the way we see best and the old adage "reason for everything" can sting unlike any other.  So, on this day, I remember.  I am thankful for those who have sacrificed and those who continue to sacrifice.  I am thankful for the families that have shown strength far beyond what could ever be expected.  Finally, I pray those 2,974 souls rest in peace and that their families receive rest on this day and all days.

In loving memory.