On my visit to NYC this summer, I went to the 911 Memorial. This was a picture I took as I stood at the footprint of the two missing towers. I don’t know David Brady or any of the other names around the wall, but I feel the loss. They were average Americans, at work, doing life when suddenly everything changed.

I can’t imagine how scary it must have been, the panic, the confusion, the adrenalin pumping…for the friends and families, this memorial reminds us of a day in history we will never forget.

I saw it all unfold on television because I was having my car serviced at the Jeep dealership. The TV was on. No one in the waiting room was really watching. I looked up at the news report and thought the pilot of the plane must be having a heart attack or medical emergency. The room was quiet. All eyes were now on the TV as the reporters tried to make sense of it. We couldn’t. It was inconceivable. And then the second plane.

My children’s school dismissed. We lived in the largest naval base area in the country. News reports were speculating we could be a target as well. When the family arrived home together, we huddled and prayed. How much should I tell my young children? I didn’t want to frighten them and create nightmares. We shielded them from the footage but tried to explain the news. Like most families we did our best to be factual but protective.

For the families that lost loved ones on 911, their lives will never be the same. I know as I too lost a brother from a terror attack. He’s missing at graduations, weddings and family celebrations. I miss our relationship and at times, wonder how different it would be if he was still alive.

We heal, we hurt less, but the loss remains. We don’t forget. Revelation 21:4 reminds us that one day, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” And we will once again see those we love.