Events that occurred over the last few days have garnered the attention of the world in a manner rarely seen.  First, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a stalwart figure on the global stage for 70 years, occurred on September 8, 2022.  Second, the anniversary of the terror attacks that happened in the United States was recognized with solemn gatherings and services on September 11, 2001.  Both of these events had far reaching effects around the world and were without precedent.

Often acknowledged as the “Queen Mother”, Queen Elizabeth II was, first and foremost, a mother to her children.  She was a wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin.  For decades, she met and counseled with more world leaders than perhaps any other single person in history.  Her full title was officially “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith”.  Her Majesty was also Seigneur of the Swans, an avid equestrian and dog lover.  Queen Elisabeth II so meant so much to so many on a vast scale that is hard to comprehend.  She left this world on September 8 for her eternal home, joining her beloved husband and all who preceded her.

Reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001, I think every person alive recalls where they were when they heard the news of the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the heroically downed jet in Pennsylvania.  Collectively in these terrorist acts, fathers, mothers, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, children, and friends of so many people were lost.  The immense loss of thousands of lives was felt deeply on such a vast scale and, 21 years later, is still hard to comprehend.

While millions of people around the world mourn the loss of the victims of terror years ago, and the passing of the most recognized Monarch in the world last week, I grieve for both of my parents who have also departed this earth.  These two dates will forever be etched in people’s minds and in the history books for the headline events.  However, September 8 and 11 are deeply personal to me.

It is rumored the Queen’s last words were “All my possessions for one moment of time.”  How true this is for each of us who have lost someone we love, but are left behind on this earth to live on?  What I wouldn’t give for just one more moment to hug my Mom, to celebrate my parent’s anniversary and tell them how much I love them. Thoughts of my parents are a part of my daily life, and my grief for them creeps into my mind at the most random times.  And it hurts, it really hurts deeply. But, when you truly love someone, this is expected.  

So many people throughout the world right now are unified by grief due to one or both of the events which happened on two separate days in September, along with other personal losses.  After the horrific events of 9/11, Queen Elizabeth II shared one simple but profound statement that resonates in the hearts and souls of many at this time… “Grief is the price we pay for love”.   

To Mom and Dad, Happy 71^st Anniversary, and to Mom, Happy 93^rd Birthday.

I still love and miss you so very much,

Your little girl