It was exactly 11 years ago at this very moment a plane hit the World Trade Center. The girl I hung out with the night before was sitting in an economics class which eventually ended to a surreal moment of people heading uptown with dust, ashes, sweat and dirt all over their bodies.
Last year was the 10th anniversary and the Newspapers were flooded with stories the entire month but just one year later the day has been barely mentioned. I remember clearly reading the paper together with that same girl who is now my wife, business partner and mother of our 3 incredible children.
Yesterday morning, September 10th, I was saddened that I only realized this anniversary was coming up via planning my week but not through any coverage. Have we forgotten this American Tragedy so quickly? Is today September 11th just another day? Yes, we are busy and we have a lot to get done but I encourage everyone to acknowledge that 11 years ago from this very morning was just another day as well. Each of us had our lists of things we wanted to accomplish.
For many this day was their last, contrary to the prayers of themselves and their families. It was a day in which they wished that they had not fought over the petty things in their lives, that they paid more attention to their kids, worked a little less, traveled more, lived a more memorable life and had their financial affairs in order.
On January 15th of 2009, there were 155 people flying out of NY. They had about 5 minutes of perspective before they thought their lives would end. These people incredibly were saved by what is now known as a miracle landing on the Hudson River. These people unlike the 9/11 victims had a unique and powerful emotional experience that hopefully was transformational to many of them. The survivors got the reminder first hand of how precious life is and to make the most of it proactively and not reactively.
Each and every one of us now has the opportunity to transform our lives proactively. No one has any idea how each day will end up. So I encourage everyone to live each day to the fullest, cherish the people around you, plan for the worst and live for the best. Stay ahead of the curve; be proactive and only reactive when you must.
This month is Life Insurance awareness month, on http://www.lifehappens.org/videos/real-life-stories-videos/life-insurance-for-individuals-videos/there are over 34 real life stories of how ordinary people had their lives change rapidly but planned in advance to preserve some peace of mind for their loved ones. I encourage you in remembrance of 9/11 to watch a few of these videos, appreciate what you have, cherish it each day, live life to the fullest and be proactive to plan in case God has a different plan for you.
This month Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashana which is the Jewish New Year. It is also a day in which we pray for an upcoming year of good health, success and survival. Our religion tries to teach us not to wait for Life to throw us a curveball but to be ahead of the game. To make each day meaningful so whenever we die at whatever age, the lives we lived would be something to be proud of.
Below are some more thoughts from other Fischman Insurance Group team members. Feel free to add to the dialogue. As Brooke so eloquently put it – I too will never forget!!!
– Ari Fischman
From Brooke Young – Office Superstar at Fischman Insurance Group:
9/11 is always one of those dates that are whispered about.
I remember when it happened, I was in high school. Being from Michigan, it was more of just a jaw dropping moment than a giant concern for those I love. The more I watched people around me bawling b/c they have close friends or relatives that work there, the more I started thinking, what if it was my dad or…me?
I remember being young and traveling to New York and actually standing on that top floor looking out. Now I just imagine someone doing that and then seeing an airplane come at their face. Couldn’t even begin to think what goes through their head at that moment.
I think everyone carries around this day with them. No matter how small of an affect it has on an individual, it defiantly is a life changing event. It really does remind you to tell people you know that you love them and to not dwell on the negatives in life. You don’t know the story of every person that’s life ended in the trade center that day, but they all have one. I’m sure a lot of people were fighting with someone they love that day, or trying to tie up unfinished business, or putting something off that they are now never able to take care of.
My biggest hope is that people learn from these tragedies. Sometimes you don’t plan for bad things to happen, but they do. You need to be prepared sometimes, so if by chance your life ends, you are happy with the way it was spent.
I’ll never forget.
–Brooke Young
From Monica Fischman- Marketing Director at Fischman Insurance Group
I was living in the Murray Hill district of Manhattan during 9/11 and just starting my morning class. I remember clearly a student leaving to check their email out of boredom and then coming back to class with the news. The professor continued class, nobody really sure the extent of what we were just told. As soon as we left, I remember running to my dorm room to call home to my parents as well as check on my brother, also living in NYC at the time.
The rest of the day was spent watching people from lower Manhattan walk up town covered in debris, slowing in front of stores with TVs to watch the news. The hustle of NYC slowed that day as people were unsure of the next steps. That night the city that never sleeps was quieter then the suburbs. I remember walking around empty streets.
In between our time spent on our Smart phones we manage to squeeze in dropping off our children at school, going to work, rushing home to make dinner and do bedtime. This day is a reminder that we should live our lives to the fullest and remember to prioritize what’s really important.
We always learn what happened, but this current event, this horrible attack on our nation was the current news that my children will now be learning about just as we learned about the past. Just like any horrible attack this day should never be forgotten. I know I’ll never forget!!!
-Monica Fischman
