September 11, 2011

Today, America stops to remember and honor the 2, 977 lives that were lost on September 11, 2001 (and on subsequent days due to injuries or illnesses sustained that day), when America was attacked by terrorists.


It has been ten years since that fateful day, but for many it still feels like yesterday.  There were husbands, wives, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles who perished.  And lest we forget the firemen and police and all of the first responders and rescue and recovery workers who gave selflessly of themselves for the sake of others.

When it comes to the Boston/New York rivalry in sports, I am right there rooting for the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins.  But today, there are no rivalries.  Today we are one.  Today I am not rooting for the Red Sox to come back in the standing and take the American League East from the Yankees.  No, today, I am rooting for all Americans…Today, we are one.

I am also rooting for all of the children who never had a chance to see or grow up with their fathers, as they were born after September 11, 2001

I am also rooting for a very special young lady, or at least her spirit.  Her name is Christina-Taylor Green.  If that name sounds familiar, it should.  Christina-Taylor was a victim in the shooting of Arizona Representative, Gabby Giffords earlier this year on January 8th.  Christina-Taylor was born on September 11, 2001.  In the midst of the country being in turmoil, there was a little bundle of hope coming into our lives.  Even at such a young age, it was said that Christina had aspirations of wanting to go into politics.  I can only imagine the spirit she would have brought to the political world.

Christina-Taylor may have been a victim of that shooting in Tucson, AZ, but she still lives today because of a courageous and brave decision her parents made.  Christina-Taylor’s parents made the decision to have some of her organs donated, saving the life of a young girl in Boston.  Christina-Taylor had thoughts of making a difference in the  world…in my mind, she did…she allowed another little girl to keep living.

As we remember all of the victims September 11^th, and their families, as well as Christina-Taylor and her family, if you are looking for a way to honor them, do so by donating blood or signing up to be an organ donor…the life you could save could be your son or daughter or mother or father…or it just might be someone you have never met, but will have a lasting bond with.  Please consider donation today as a tribute of remembrance.

If you, or someone you know is interested in organ donation, please contact: www.neod.org; www.donatelifenewengland.org, www.organdonor.gov; www.unos.org; www.donatelife.net; www.organtransplants.org; or  www.thewaitinglist.org, or, by all means, speak to your own physician, or feel free to send me an email.