Because my birthday is on September 11, 9/11 has a special meaning for me. I have what can be called “a different take” on the events of September 11 just because how that date relates to my life. So, two days before 9/11, I want to pay my respects to those who lost their lives on that day. It was a horrible day in our nation’s history, and there is not a 9/11 that goes by that I don’t think about that day in a different way since the attacks.
When the attacks happened, I was waking up for class in Bloomington, Indiana. My roommate was from New York and she woke me up with her crys. She had had her senior prom in the top of one of the towers. I was working at the IDS (Indiana Daily Student newspaper) at the time, and I had to call Bloomington students affected by the tragedy and get their story. One girl sobbed to me on the phone as she talked about her dad dying in the tower. That was the day I turned 20 years old.
When I turned 21, it was the first anniversary of 9/11 … and not a single person felt like going out. I did get my roommate to go with me for a drink, but the world was lost in the significance of the day. It was that birthday that I decided I wasn’t going to mourn on 9/11. I wouldn’t go to church or cry or watch the news coverage. I was going to enjoy life; I was going to celebrate my birthday every 9/11 going forward with as much energy and excitement as I could. If I didn’t, wouldn’t the terrorists be winning in some way?
And so, that is what I have vowed to do moving forward. And each time I hit a milestone birthday, 9/11 hits a milestone as well. In two days, when I turn 30, 9/11 will be remembering the ten years that have passed since the attacks happened. I’m reflecting on the significance this morning so that I can completely enjoy the day as my birthday when it comes. I know it is a hard day for many people … and it is hard for me as well … but September 11 is going to be my big 3-0 and I’m going to celebrate it to the hills. My hubby has something amazing planned … starting tonight with us heading to a country concert.
I don’t know what else is in store for my birthday, but I know having my hubby by my side will make it amazing in every way.
And that’s life in a nutshell … remembering the past doesn’t mean you can’t REALLY enjoy the present! September 11 has taught me that.
P.S. Let the birthday celebration begin!
MommaNut
Life in a Nutshell 
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