9/11 seems both so long ago, yet only yesterday. I had the opportunity to visit the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville while in Western PA a few weeks ago.
I thought I was prepared for the sight, but I wasn't. It hit me like a punch in the stomach. The sky was very much like what it would've been that fateful day. The flags flying in the breeze and the stark cross against the barren ridge were poignant reminders of both terror and heroism.
After listening to a lecture by one of the volunteers, I perused the mementos left along the memorial wall. It was so moving to see tokens left behind by people from all over the country, and all over the world. I did not come prepared with an offering, but I felt very deeply that I wanted to leave something. So I gave the most meaningful item I had with me at the time. A shoelace from the running shoes I was wearing. As I bent down to unlace it and tie it upon the wall, tears started flowing. It seemed a little insignificant and small given the circumstances, yet it made me feel better.
I walked away feeling deep gratitude. May these heroes be remembered forever.
It wasn't insignificant.
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