🌟 Hello Friends,
Today marks a day that forever changed our country—and it forever changed the trajectory of my own life. September 11th, 2001.
Like so many of you, I remember exactly where I was that morning. The fear, the shock, the uncertainty. For me, it was also deeply personal. My father worked in New York City at the time—just a few buildings away from the Twin Towers. It took nearly 24 hours before we finally heard the news that he was safe. I will never forget the moment my mom called to say she had word that my dad was alive and making his way home. The relief was overwhelming.
At the same time, I was serving as an EMT in Connecticut. The calls didn’t stop. People needed help, and staying busy was the only way to keep moving forward, even as my heart was tied in knots, waiting for updates about my dad.
Just two weeks later, I was on a plane heading to the Middle East for deployment with the military. That day shifted the entire course of my career—and my life.
Every year when September 11th comes around, I can’t help but reflect on the loss, the bravery, the unity, and the weight of it all. It was a day of tragedy, but also a day that revealed resilience, courage, and compassion in ways that still inspire me.
So today, on this anniversary, I want to encourage you:
- Thank a veteran. Many lives were forever changed in the days and years that followed. A simple “thank you” means more than you know.
- Hug someone close to you. Don’t wait to show your love and gratitude. Life is fragile and every moment is a gift.
- Show kindness and generosity. Even small acts can ripple farther than you realize.
- Be grateful to be alive. Today is a reminder to live with intention, to cherish your people, and to never take a single breath for granted.
May we honor the memory of that day by the way we live, love, and serve others.
Cheering for you,
Jenny Cioto
What’s your 9/11 story?
See you next week!
