Saturday was the 20th anniversary of 9/11. All of you, like me, remember where you were on that fateful day. I was pregnant at the time, in Princeton, NJ, but I had worked in the World Trade Center (South Tower) from ’92 to ’95. Many of my colleagues still worked there in 2001. Doug had friends that worked in the building, as well. The horror of that day is still unimaginable to me. And like you, I will never forget that day, nor the 2996 innocent people who should have never lost their lives.

I remember the days after as well. As sad as we all were, we talked about it a lot, sometimes with perfect strangers. We were shaken and afraid, but also incredibly united. Compassion, empathy and solidarity were everywhere. We realized how fragile life was and we cared about others. We told people we loved them—we made sure that was expressed. United doesn’t even begin to describe America then.

2996 innocent people died on 9/11 because of hate. They left us without warning. There are wives, husbands, and children who will spend the rest of their lives without their loved ones because of hate. I thought we learned a number of very valuable lessons from the horrific tragedy of 9/11, but most importantly—that there is no place for hate. Hate does not make anything better. Maya Angelou said it best, “Hate has caused a lot of problems in this world, but has not solved one yet.” If you spent this weekend remembering those lost on 9/11, please remember that hate was the cause. Stick with love, it’s a much better solution to all that ails us.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!

Beth