Today, 9/11.
I read several articles, saw many photographs and watched a few videos related to the terrorist attacks thirteen years ago.
Many things affected me then, and affected me today.
Six moments of silence were observed this morning in New York City:
8:46 when the North Tower was hit
9:03 when the South Tower was hit
9:37 when the Pentagon was hit
9:59 when the South Tower collapsed
10:03 when the hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania
10:28 when the North Tower collapsed.
In total, 2,977 victims from 90 countries. Not included in the number of casualties are the 6,294 that were treated for injuries.
3 additional people died from exposure to dust.
1,140 responders have been diagnosed with cancer.
1,400 9/11 rescue workers have died since the attacks, responding to the scene months after the attacks.
11 unborn babies died on 9/11. The numerical relationship is not lost on me.
Nor do these numbers include the deaths of the 17 hijacking terrorists. [insert scream] [insert multiple expletives] [insert tears]
Horrific. Tragic. Senseless.
My words fall short.
Tonight at dinner, our family observed a moment of silence for those lost, those suffering and their families.
One hundred and ninety words in, I too will be silent.
multi-hyphenated-me 