I had Joel and Leo and Sara stories for today. I was going to acknowledge the day and the go on with our stories. But as the day began and I watched those who mourn and those who serve, I couldn’t tell my story.

Today the story is not mine to tell. It belongs to those who lost, those who serve and to a nation who was torn and reborn all at once. My memories of that day are similar to millions, and my emotions mirror others as well. There was nothing unique about my position that day, or my thoughts and emotions. I knew with the rest of you that we would never be the same.

But today I woke up and looked over at a man whose phone rang that day. The phone that is always on and must always be answered. He told me last night that his stories won’t be told for years. “After I retire,” he said, “when the government says it’s ok,” he said. I am only beginning to imagine what that means, I can’t fathom what that day looked like to him. I can’t fathom what this day looks like to those who lost loved ones.

Today the story is theirs. My thoughts and prayers sit with those who mourn, and my support continues for those who serve. God bless you all.