Re-Post: What 9/11 Means to Me

Today, in honor of my daughter Lucy's 7th birthday, I'm re-publishing this post I wrote two years ago, when she turned five. She will get a new birthday post too, but I think this one is a good reminder that there is more to today than tragic memories.

Yes, I remember what I was doing 10 years ago today. I was home with my new baby; Bethany was not yet a month old. Chris was at work and called to tell me to put the news on. As I was on the phone with him, I watched as the second tower was hit. It was a scary time to be an American. I remember feeling shocked and violated. I remember my heart breaking for all those who were missing or dead and their grieving families. But although I was sad as I sat watching the never-ending news coverage, nothing could take away the joy and wonderment of being a new mother.

I also remember what I was doing five years ago today. I was giving birth to my beautiful girl, Lucille Margaret. I was introducing Bethany and Connor to their brand new baby sister. I was stressing and feeling guilty because I was going to be missing Connor's first day of preschool the next day. I was feeling overwhelmed and overjoyed, because the two can definitely co-exist in the very same moment. I was holding my precious baby and trying to believe she was really mine.

When I tell anyone Lucy's birth date, the response I get is usually one of sympathy - such a sad day to have a birthday! But to me, September 11th is a day representing the introduction of Lucy into our lives. It is a happy day in our family. Because Lucy deserves that. Celebrating our daughter's birth on September 11th doesn't take away any of the horrors of that day 10 years ago. But it is a reminder that life goes on, life continues to be beautiful, and that our blessings in life are never ending.

Today I will bake a birthday cake and welcome guests into my home to celebrate Lucy's 5th birthday. I will wrap presents and sing "Happy Birthday". I will hug Lucy tight, kiss her sweet cheeks, and cherish her. I will quietly remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001, but I won't let that memory diminish the joy of Lucy's special day.

Thankful for Lucy

Lucy shares a birthday with her Grandpa

Today, in honor of September 11, I am thankful for Lucy. She was born on September 11, 2006. In case you're not so good at math, she just turned 6 on Tuesday. Because of her, 9/11 has a very special meaning for our family. Instead of brooding and being sad, we celebrate. Because Lucy is something to celebrate.

Lucy is a sweet and gentle soul. She's a little shy, and last year her kindergarten teacher told me that she barely made a peep in class all year. Yet she loves to dance, and has no problem getting up on a stage in front of hundreds of people. When Lucy grows up, she wants to be a ballerina. Her slender and slight (yet tall!) little form definitely looks the part of ballet dancer.

So excited!

For her birthday, Lucy asked only for three My Little Pony dolls. That's it. She told everybody the same thing: Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Apple Jack. And when she opened her gifts she was so thrilled and excited about every single thing she received. Yes, she got the ponies, along with several other things. To see her literally jumping up and down and shrieking because she loved her presents so much was really gratifying. She's appreciative, and I hope it lasts. As I've mentioned, she didn't want a birthday party with her friends this year. She only wants me to take her out for ice cream this weekend with one good friend. And she is happily anticipating this simple treat as if she were heading to Disney World.

Hardly a day goes by that Lucy doesn't squeeze me hard and remind me that to her, I am "the best mommy ever." She loves to cuddle, to be held, to be read to, to share millions of hugs and kisses, and she is very free and generous with her affections. Her entire life she has been like this. As an infant, she would snuggle into me so comfortably, and be content to be held for hours. She brought me a sense of peace then, like her very presence was enough to calm me and remind me to be grateful for my life and my family. And today I am thankful that she has brought our family six years of joy and love. I am proud of her efforts in school, and the way she tries to be the very best big sister to Mathilda. I am proud of her loving nature, and the kindness she shows her friends.

Lucy Goosy, you're a good egg. And I can't believe you're 6!

Love those dimples, and those little round cheeks!