I Thought It Was A Dream

“A plane has crashed into the World Trade Tower” are the words I awoke to 6 years ago today.  I was in a just-waking-up-half-daze and thought that I was dreaming. 

To my dismay, I soon realized what I was hearing was my wake-up radiobroadcasting, which indicated the first plane in the attacks had struck the first tower.  I quickly turned on the television and sure enough (on every channel), they were discussing the tragedy – at this point, and they did not know it was an attack. 

As usual, I proceeded to get ready for work (just like any other day).  Once I arrived to work, it was a somber and unusual day.  Everyone was quiet, mellow, and listening to the news.  We could not believe what was going on – A SECOND PLANE JUST HIT THE 2ND TOWER!

By this point, they had informed us that we could leave for the day to spend time with our family. 

While I cannot fully reconstruct the feelings from this horrific day six years ago, I encourage each of us to designate a portion of this day to call those family members that we may not have spoken to in a while just to let them know that we are here and tell them ‘I Love You’!

The final moment I wish to share from that day and the preceding days was how our patriotic behavior was strong, resilient, and unmatched.   

Where were you?  What do you remember?

Thank you, Oprah!

Today is Tuesday, the same day it happened 6 years ago. Of course, we will never forget!

I just read this article , which proves that there remains doubt that we are ultimately safe from the threat of terrorism. Despite the exponential amount of theories, this is the time for us to engage with our family, friends, and anyone else that we may love and express to them our heartfelt gratitude for their continued life.

We must remember that we were not the only ones impacted by this horrific tragedy. In fact, there were children that lost their loved ones – even their parents on this day – ONLY SIX YEARS AGO!

Today, I ask that you hug a friend, call a family member, say ‘I Love You’ to your children. Unfortunately, we do not know what comes next in this journey of life.

One last point, she always puts tears in our eyes so I have to point it out – Oprah’s New York Premier Week includes a tribute to the children that lost their parents during September 11, 2001. Check it out TODAY! (Check your local listings)

May Peace and Love Be With All!

Britney Spears: A Parent’s Perspective

Okay, here goes!

I posted this earlier and have chosen to share my reasoning – from a parent’s perspective.

First, I would like to encourage all of the persecutors out there to withdraw from their attacks on Britney Spears. As a parent, I certainly do not agree with many things that she has done. However, these disparaging attacks are only making matters worse – especially the ones made by Sarah Silverman. In fact, they only fuel the fire that is Britney!

Many of our children look up to Britney Spears. At one point in time, since you are reading this post, you may have even looked up to her. Otherwise, what is so intriguing about a female artist that purportedly had ‘a bad stage night’?

With that said, my view is this: give her credit for the performance. She was there, she performed, and she entertained for the few moments that she was on stage. The reproachful comments need to point toward those celebrities that are driving drunk, facilitating drug fests, causing violence, and canceling their concerts at the last minute. No names are necessary here.

Finally, let us admit it. Her new song is good! It is fresh. It is hip. More importantly, the kids will love it.

Speaking of kids, in my opinion, Britney should focus her attention on her kids. She only has one opportunity to be a positive role model for them. It is not about fame or fortune. They will remember the person she was and will look up to her for the person she is to them.

Best of luck Britney!

In case you missed it, you can catch her new song here.