09/11/2026
Every September 11th brings a quiet weight, but for our family, it is deeply personal.
Today, we honor and remember every single innocent life lost twenty-five years ago-the brave first responders, the ordinary people who went to work on a clear Tuesday morning, and the countless tamilies whose lives changed in an instant.
I find myself thinking especially of my aunt. She survived the World Trade Center that day, escaping the unimaginable, but a piece of her heart remained behind. While we are endlessly grateful to have her here with us, surviving carries its own profound grief. She lost so many dear friends, trusted colleagues, and mentors whose absences still echo in her life every single day.
Survivor’s grief is a quiet, heavy burden-carrying the memories of those who never made it out, cherishing their laughter, and holding their legacy forward when they no longer can. What makes this image so incredibly meaningful to our family is the small, dark roof of the original St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, nestled at the very base, dwarfed by the massive skyscrapers. That small, historic church was not just a landmark; it was a physical manifestation of our faith. For my aunt, who survived the unimaginable, that church roof in this photo is a powerful reminder of the sanctuary that once stood at the very heart of that site. It represents the peace that was so violently broken, but also the enduring faith that helps her carry forward the memory of the many dear friends and colleagues she lost that day.
Today, we honor those who were taken far too soon, and we stand in love with those who survived. May we never forget the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the resilience of those left behind to carry their light.
