September 11th

It's hard to believe that it was seven years ago already and that a moment that is so vividly etched into my mind will by my daughter, only be studied in a history book. Watching the history channel while holding my daughter tonight, I was more occupied by my thoughts than the program.

It's interesting that future generations will never relate the same way that we do. It might be like if I tried to relate to someone who lived through the depression. It's not that I'm comparing the two events, as each changed history in their own right, but I believe that living through each is the only way to understand how each truly exposed our vulnerability. Life as an American would change after these and many other events in history. It's simply not the same reading about it in a history book.

I remember driving up to Connecticut for my grandmothers funeral on September 11th. I left later than I planned because of what had happened, but drove up that night nonetheless. In fact, I still have the receipt for crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge at 11:57 p.m. and looking down the Hudson River while sitting just a bit longer at the toll booth, seeing the giant plume of smoke and orange glow that was now the World Trade Center.

So on this September 11th, my first as a father, I learned a little bit more about what parenthood really meant. I used to think, "how could anyone get so angry with a child that they cause them harm?" Today is a day where I believe that only my strong will (or as Courtney calls it, thick-headedness) and love for that little girl helped me.

Please don't misunderstand me. I never thought a moment about causing harm to that precious little girl. I never will. What I thought about was how under similar circumstances, a weaker person might be pushed over the edge.

I think that my stress headache started at about 7 a.m. this morning. This evening, Julia did nothing but scream for more than 40 minutes, regardless of what I did to attend to her or comfort her. Thankfully, eventually, Courtney came home and I was saved. But let me tell you what she did for me.

We had planned to go out to dinner tonight, but given Julia's state of mind, that wouldn't have been the best decision. Seeing how frayed my nerves were, Courtney told me to go to the Turtle (the Green Turtle...Google it, it's a great place), have a couple beers and bring some carryout home. That 45 minutes was exactly what I needed and she knew that and she saved me!

I really hate when my posts air on the sentimental side. I really prefer humor in most circumstances, but today has been a day that made me think. In reflecting on what the day has meant, it makes me grateful. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to help a future generation understand just how September 11th changed all our lives. And I'm grateful for two wonderful women, who bring me such joy at every turn, but are there to rescue me when I need it most!

Thanks Court!

-Andy