9/11 Tribute Lights & The Empty Sky Memorial.

I always find it incredibly moving every time we go to Jersey city and stand on the Hudson waterfront to watch the tribute lights light up on 9/11. We normally go to the city and stay in the financial district to go to the freedom tower but for the past couple of years we have been going to the Empty sky memorial where they honor those from NY/NY who lost their lives in the towers. Such a beautiful tribute and memorial and coming here never gets old. NYC on September 11th or any other given day never gets old. We are so grateful to live in a place where we are so close to drive to the city and pay our respects to those whose lives were lost. Such a special place to go and feel their spirit. It's truly amazing and the feeling I felt while standing against the rail overlooking the Hudson River staring at the lights pretending the twin towers were still standing brings back so many memories. Happy ones. Even when it rains that doesn't stop anyone from going to pay their respects to remember. 

This is the second year in a row where it has rained and the rain this year formed two lovely rainbows earlier that evening. I know that those twin rainbows were a sign from the souls letting us know that they are at peace and thankful that for the last 22 years, we have not forgotten them. 

Flight 93 Memorial.

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks and every year on this day it never gets old and I never forget. I will always remember that dreadful day waking up to the sound of a loud tube tv at my husbands grandfathers house in Washington hearing him shout out, "a plane just crashed into the twin towers!" I woke up and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Here I was across the country from one of the cities I have always loved and it was in distress! Living near the city for the past 16 years has really made me appreciate NYC even more which is why I love going there so much. I love the energy and the strength that this city gives when a catastrophe happens. New York is a strong city and we will never forget what happened there. We will also never forget what happened in the outskirts of Stoystown Pennsylvania where flight 93 crashed. On our way home from our cross country trip to Utah we decided to stop by the memorial. It was our first time visiting here. Another trip we should have made a long time ago because it's only a five hour drive from Jersey.

We Remember....

It was a rainy day on a Sunday afternoon when we drove to jersey city to pay our respects and reflect on those who lost their lives on September 11th, 21 years ago. Going to the Empty Sky memorial is always a somber space where we see people setting up flowers and ribbons on the name space of their loved ones. There was even one woman who caught my eye and after taking her picture expressed my sorrow to her in regards to her loved one. She seemed strong but could see that there were tears about to stream down her face as she was placing the ribbon on his name. 

Even 21 years later we remember. And still shed tears. I didn't even know these humans who lost their lives and yet my kids and I still mourn and grieve for them. Knowing that we live so close to ground zero and having come all the time to pay our respects since we moved to the east is a humbling feeling. We didn't make it to the world trade center memorial this year, but we are Jersey folk and this is our second year going to Empty Sky on September 11th. And it truly was a bittersweet feeling. Here's a little video from last year to reflect....

A Flower Flash In Remembrance of 9/11.

Often times I'll go walking in the city and spot what you call a flower flash. Now mind you I never knew about these because I wasn't aware of the person behind such a brilliant and unique idea of displaying flowers in NYC, but when I finally started following Lewis Miller Design on Instagram is when I get the beets on when and where they were displayed. His recent flower flashed was made on behalf of those who lost their lives on 9/11. His kindness and thoughtfulness in expressing his love and gratitude for those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 is admirable and contagious. I love that he does this no matter what day it is. And sometimes he just displays flower flashes randomly just because. To see flowers on display like this in the city is something I would love to take home! So happy to see these flower flashes on fifth avenue. They truly are inspiring and can truly uplift someone and bring sunshine on their dark days! Particularly our heroes families who died on September 11th.

9/11 Remembered.

 

Such a powerful mural by Kobra street art which is located in New York city. 19 years later and this day will always be remembered. We will never forget the 343 brave firefighters who sacrificed their lives on September 11. This day changed countless families, our nation, and the course of history forever. We must stand with those who have secured our freedoms at home and abroad. To love God and one another. And continually pray for our leaders of this nation. 

This mural is painted in honor of our firefighters and it was a very teachable moment for Noah. Although he knows what happened in 2001years before he was born it's a great reminder for me as well to remember and never forget what happened here. God bless the 343 firefighters and their families. 

Seaglass Carousel & A Day Out in NYC.

Day four of our spring break was spent in new york city again. I am so grateful that we live so close to a city where we can explore and venture out when time permits, and because Jon, and the kids have had all week off for spring break have taken advantage of the time going to the city as a family! This time we decided to drive to Staten island and take the ferry over to the city, and it was a dream for Noah! He absolutely loves boats, and was so excited to be standing against the railing to see the city. I'm not sure he remembers the first time we took the ferry to Ellis island, but he will definitely remember this ride.