The Day None of Us Will Forget

Fit Friends,

Twenty-two years ago, I was at Martha Stewart's film studio in Westport, Ct. I had just finished working her out and stretching while the commuters from New York City started arriving for another routine day.

We always had the news on in the cardio theatre room. I will never forget the shrieks and moans that were let out at 8:46 am that morning while we watched the first American Airlines Flight 11, a massive Boeing 767 aircraft, slam into the North Tower of the World Trade Center where many of the commuters' spouses and family members worked.

It was too surreal to grasp what had just happened, but sadly, seventeen minutes later, a second Boeing 767, United Flight 175, crashed into the South Tower. I remember thinking this couldn’t be real, could it? But the news broadcaster's raw emotions and expressions proved it was a reality.

Right before our eyes, we witnessed tragedy strike, and there was nothing we could do about it. We were all powerless (my least favorite emotion).

We sat watching flames and smoke burst from the towers, many of the MSLO employees receiving texts from loved ones saying “I Love you“ and their last goodbyes while New York’s finest: Fire, police, and EMTs rushed to do whatever they could to try to rescue those in need.

I don't know about you, but September 11 was the most surreal moment of my life.

One second, life was normal, and the world was at peace; the next, it changed forever for all of us. I can remember where I was sitting and what the weather was like that day — I was filled with joy and hope …

We had just returned from Poland a few days before after completing my son's adoption, and before 9-11, life seemed perfect.

I immediately remembered I needed to get to my kids and husband to process all this and be close to one another to stay safe.

Why do I tell you all of this?

As an associate Chaplain, I meet people daily who realize in these crisis moments that God is all they need until it’s all they have left and how important it is always to keep our eyes on HIM. It’s not about religion; it's about your relationship with God, your higher power, and never let anything or anyone become bigger than your relationship with HIM.

There are thousands of stories of how fate impacted lives that day.

As soon as I got my children and my bearings, I checked to make sure my family and friends were all safe, and I went back to see if I could be of any help to those in need simply by holding their hand, listening, providing a hot cup of tea, or a meal to those waiting for news.

The police and firemen wouldn’t let us chaplains into New York yet or get too close; their training had prepared them for this moment, and their bravery will never be forgotten.

I recall it being eerily quiet that evening as the world watched in horror.

Like everyone else, I constantly contacted friends and family to find out who was safe and who was missing, and what we could do to help.

I didn’t realize it then, but that experience would affect me and many other people like me in ways I couldn’t understand profoundly and forever.

I continue to ask myself if it had ended for me, would I be happy with how I lived my life? Was I in good standing with God?

From that day forward, I made it my life’s mission to help anyone and everyone in need, and I put God first in everything I do. Regardless of where I am, who I'm with, or what I'm doing.

After 9-11, I decided to replace my complaints with gratitude instead, and I'm committed to helping others stay physically and SPIRITUALLY healthy and strong every day.

Every year at this time, I feel the sadness I witnessed on that day as I watched my co-workers receive news that they had lost their spouse or family member, one of whom still suffers from physical and emotional effects from the attack on the World Trade Center. I make it a point to stop what I'm doing to let others know  I'm here if you need a friend or would like me to pray with you.

Take a moment to sit in silence and pray for all of those who are hurting. Prayer works, and WE ARE ALL STRONGER when we PRAY TOGETHER!

Start making prayer a habit and share it with your friends and families. It works, and the world needs healing, love, and compassion now more than ever.

Here is one of my favorites: When life gets tough and I don't understand what’s happening around me. It's a @SusieLarsonPrayer.

"As you survey the parts of your life that break your heart or don’t make sense right now, may you dare to stand strong, look up, and consider what God’s resurrection POWER can do in, through, and around you! Only those who’ve walked through the valley of the shadow will truly grasp the power of redemption on the other side. Jesus withholds NO good thing from those who walk intimately with Him. He’s not the reason you suffer; He’s with you in the storm. He is your Shelter, Deliverer, and Strong Tower. He’s Your Redeemer, Savior, and Friend. He’s your Prince of Peace and Sure Defender. Find your footing again. Engage your faith. Embrace the right perspective. Trust Jesus with your whole heart and see what Love will do."

Psalm 84:11 (NLT) ~ For the Lord God is our sun and shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Peace be with you on this sad day🙏