Dear Friends,
We Remember
All of us remember that exact moment on September 11, 2001. That moment when we found out what was happening; and that what was happening, was not just an accident. We were glued to our television sets. We watched the nightmare unfold.
We all remember.
I had just graduated from college and was living back at home with my parents. My dad woke me up at 6am in a panicked voice, something I had never heard, or felt, from him before, and we both watched the live footage on his tiny portable TV in his office. Confused, terrified, heartbroken.
We will never forget.
United We Stand
September 11, 2001 broke us down in the worst way, but September 12, 2001 was a different America.
A United America.
We remember all the lives and heroes we lost, but we must also remember all the volunteers that stepped in to help in any way. We must remember how everyone became more willing to help out a stranger afterwards. We must remember how we gave, how we served, how we cared, how we protected, and how we loved.
“On America’s day of trial and grief, I saw millions of people instinctively grab for a neighbor’s hand, and rally for the cause of one another. That is the America I know.”
- former President George W. Bush
Love Wins
This past Saturday, the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we took a moment during our Stop Drop And Dance class to remember the people and events of 9/11. I stumbled with my words, felt choked up, and tried to share that as hard of a day as 9/11 is, it is also a reminder that love is stronger than hate.
So we turned our sadness into a wonderful celebration as we danced for Catherine Granville's actual birthday, September 11th. She appropriately wore a sweater with the words "LOVE LOVE LOVE" on it, and a tank top underneath with the word, "GRATEFUL."
Happiest birthday to you, dear Catherine!
(PS - Please DO share when your birthday is!!! You'll get a FREE class and we would love to celebrate with you!)
$1446 for Ceres Community Project!
Thank you so much to all of you who donated and danced for Shel Saxon's birthday on Thursday, September 9th! We had such a great turnout and we raised $1446 for Ceres Community Project, an organization that Shel's daughter volunteers at, that teaches kids to cook healthy, nutritious meals for low-income families! Thank you!!!
Happiest birthday to you, dear Shel!
OK, and I just HAVE to add in this photo below because Cynthia Bahmani showed up on Zoom with her "SHEL ROCKS" tank top! How amazing is that??
Make a Wish
My sweetest older daughter, Zaydee, is turning 10 today, on September 13th. I cannot believe how fast time has flown and I still see her one-year-old baby face when I look at her. Some of her expressions are identical to her baby years and I find myself often looking through old videos or photos, just trying to hold on to my little girl.
What do you wish for?
Zaydee is the one that would say she wishes for no homelessness, or death, or "mean people." She has a heart of gold and I mourn her growing older because I don't want her to lose that pure innocence and simpleness. Why can't it be like that? There should be no place in our hearts for hate. Only kindness, compassion, and love.
We can learn a lot from a 10 year old, right?
Love,
Grace
