9/11

Today is my 36th birthday, and it’s also September 11th. Every year, I wish this day felt like a celebration, but it never does. It feels more like a day of remembrance, a day when the weight of humanity’s grief and the tragedies around us just sit heavy on my heart.

This year, it’s not just about never forgetting 9/11. It’s about seeing how much we’re losing touch with our shared humanity. I had to step away from my phone and social feeds because it’s overwhelming to see lives taken over disagreements, over race, over reasons that make no sense. We’re still dealing with school shootings in 2025. We’re still witnessing senseless violence. And it’s not about politics. It’s about valuing life, questioning everything we’re told, and choosing to protect our families and our right to live freely.

So today, I’m not celebrating. I’m reflecting. I’m remembering those we’ve lost and reminding myself—and anyone reading this—to keep questioning, keep protecting what matters, and keep speaking our truth even when it’s hard. In a world that feels like it’s losing its way, let’s hold onto our humanity. And maybe one day, birthdays will feel a little lighter again