The annual 9/11 post

I remember it like it was yesterday. I mean, how do you not remember something that was so close, so life changing, not to mention not knowing where my dad was for a few minutes, and hearing all the rumored additional target lists popping up, many of which seemed to include the Naval Academy.

But I've posted about the day before. That's not what I want to say today. I woke up this morning and did my normal routine, which includes looking at social media as I'm waking up. As to be expected, lots of tribute and rememberance posts today. But then I saw someone had posted a picture of the towers burning before they fell, of course with the caption "never forget."

I understand that everyone remembers differently, and everyone pays tribute differently. But those pictures are burned in my memory forever. I avoid the news and most TV 9/11 week because they're still very hard for me to see. I haven't been able to bring myself to go to any of the memorials yet, but its still just too soon for me. I should know better than to think that Facebook is a safe place, obviously its not. But it just really bothered me to see that this morning. I know I shouldn't be bothered, or insulted at the perceived but more than likely absolutely not intentional implication that I need to see those pictures to remember. Especially posted by someone who was nowhere close to the events, physically or otherwise, and who, while an old friend, I pretty much disagree with 100% when it comes to politics. I know that everyone is different. So why does it bother me?

The answer doesn't really matter in the big picture, and I would never dream of saying anything because its just not worth it. But I would ask that anyone reading this think about it before you post anything graphic from this day 13 years ago. How you remember and how you pay tribute to those lost this day and since may be a trigger for someone else. Don't be insulted if they react to it. Today is a day that should be filled with love, compassion, kindness, and peace. In the words of The Alternate Routes, "we are how we treat each other, nothing more." And never is that more important than on days like today.