I was going to write a Facebook post, but I figured I have a blog for a reason–to speak my mind. Those who want to read it may do so, and others can just continue on with their days without being bothered by the things I have to say.

This year, more than any other year, the events of 9/11 are hitting me more emotionally hard than they ever have. Maybe it’s because I just returned from New York a week ago? Maybe it’s because my favorite spot in the city is the One World Observatory, a building that obviously only exists because of what happened 16 years ago today? Maybe it’s because I visited the 9/11 Memorial 10 days ago? Regardless, I’m couldn’t tell you exactly why, but I just want to talk a bit about the most resilient, powerful, and awe-inspiring city I’ve ever been to–New York City.

I’ve been to New York quite a few times, and each and every time I go, I tell myself “Anna, you need to stop coming back here and see other parts of the world. NYC isn’t the only place to go, anyways.” But time and time again, I find myself in the city that never sleeps, and time and time again, I fall more and more in love with that place.

I just watched a video on Facebook that gave me absolute chills. I got misty eyed at my desk, and I can’t even fully put into words why (aside from the obvious bravery and tragedy exhibited in the video). I’ve never visited somewhere as frequently as I have New York City, and watching the footage from this day that, at the time of it happening, I was too young to understand, my heart aches both with pride and sorrow. I put myself in the position that thousands of Americans were put in on that day and realize that this remarkable city and the people there have recovered from this detrimental tragedy.

Now, I’m not one for country music, and those of you who know me, know this to be insanely true. I’ve officially made an exception for the song by Alan Jackson that played in that video.

There really is no real purpose to this blog other than just to express some heartfelt emotion. The more I visit this city that I wouldn’t be surprised to find myself living in one day, the more respect I find myself having for it. (I didn’t even know my respect could continue growing, but alas.) My heart aches for events of the past, but with each tragedy that befalls us makes us even stronger.

Thanks for reading.

xx – A