September 11th | The Day It All Changed

Today is September 11th, 2016. A day that marks the terrorist attack in New York City 15 years ago. It is days like today where I sit back and think about what happened. 15 years ago today, grandma and grandpa pulled Spencer and I out of school and took us horse back riding - Spencer and I oblivious that our mom was under a terrorist attack in New York or that our dad was stuck on an American Airlines plane in Chicago. 

As the years go on, I begin to understand more and more about what really happened that day, and I re-read the first chapter of my mom's book, "It's Not Okay With Me". The whole world changed forever, and that meant so did we. I wouldn't be living an ordinary life, continuing my education in Canada, having a childhood home where my parents may have grown old in, or being a traditional Canadian girl. No, September 11th, 2001 changed the trajectory of my life, and my family's lives. 

After 9/11, my mom closed down her marketing agency and started new. I look at my parents and the lives they live today, and I honestly can't believe where they came from and where they are today. What an incredible journey. They've made an impact on not only the people of Swaziland, but on so many people across the world. 15 years ago today, my mom faced one of the most terrifying, life-altering days of her life, and I am in awe of the person she has become. Does our family live an ordinary life? Maybe not. A simple life? Definitely not.. But I am so grateful for the lives we have had the chance to live. Our parents taught us to live for what matters, no matter how hard it may be because it's so worth it. 

Had my mom's life not flipped upside down, I may not have had the opportunity to get the education I did, meet the incredible people across the world that I have built relationships with, or become the person I am today. Thank you mom for running over 60 blocks for your life that day and for coming home. Thank you for choosing to continue living your life to make a difference in the world and helping children out of traumatic situations, in that they too may have the chance make a difference. You may be crazy, but your one of the most courageous, strong, incredible people that I know. 

I love you mom.

September 11, a day of remembrance.