Grateful

I called my friend and former boss, Joel, today. I got his voicemail, as I usually do. In my message, I said, "Hi Joel. I'm starting to feel like a mother who calls her baby every year on his birthday to tell him about the day he was born. But I can't help myself. I always think of you on September 11th, and how scared I was that day that you might not be okay. I just want to tell you how much your friendship means to me and how glad I am that you're alive and well."

Of course, I blubbered my way through the message. But I think that is one of the tragic blessings of 9/11. It helps me to say the things I might not usually tell someone. It makes me more apt to let down my emotional guard and say just how I feel.

I'm just so grateful for Joel's life. He was my boss and continues to be my friend. And his life matters very much to me.