United

United

Sometimes it takes a tragedy in order to see each other as what we all are; souls having a human experience. We quickly see the commonality between us, not the differences. We still don't have to agree or have the same opinion but the mutual respect that we have finding common ground is enough to build that connection.

It doesn't take a lot in order to look at your neighbor, or the person across from you on the train, or the person you are sharing an armrest with on a long flight, or the new person at your job, or a person shopping in the same aisle as you in the grocery store, to connect. All it takes is for you to see that person as well, a person just trying to make it through another day just like you.

We all have our own stories, our own experiences and we all can feel love, hope, and connection if we allow ourselves to lead with that first. All of those lost on Sept. 11th could never feel their loved ones embrace or hear the words I love you again nor can any of the family members left to carry on. 18 years later, have we build a nation on that feeling of connection we had on September 12th or did we allow that to somehow erode? It's time to challenge ourselves to be better, to do better, to connect more with each other person to person. It's time we remember who we were on that day and who we ultimately are - united.