September 11^th is a time for many to mourn but it is also a time of hope and beauty for people like me.  I am a very empathetic person and please understand that I am fully aware that the tragedy that occurred on September 11^th was unjust and has touched many families and friends in ways that I do not EVER want to experience, but there are many tragedies and unwarranted things that occur every day on this Earth that we don’t pay attention to at all or for very long.  Although Canada and the United States are close allies, September 11^th may not be a sad day for all, and in my case, it is not a sad day for me.

I was induced at nearly 42 weeks gestation on the early morning of the 10^th of September ,yet my daughter held out until September 11^th.  The birth of my daughter is a reminder of the miracle of life and how precious it is.  Many people often react negatively to my daughter’s birth date, as though she should have been born any other day, but NOT on September 11^th.  What we must remember is that there is no perfect day for a baby to be born.   Every day is a perfect day for the miracle of life.

This past year I have wished many things for my daughter and there are many more to come.  One such wish that I will have each year is for my daughter to celebrate her birthday with her family and friends; for every year that she gets to do this is a sign of life and that she is healthy and alive.  I wish for everyone, that their joyous celebrations, whichever day they may fall on, not be tainted by the crueler parts of our humanity.

Although today may be a day of mourning for some , it can also serve as a reminder to honour the people that died by living our lives to the best that we can.  Take a moment to tell someone how much you care, or genuinely appreciate your surroundings and what you have.

Today, I will hug my daughter, tell her how much I love her and celebrate her life.