“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of United Flight 93 Captain Jason Dahl

When we said we would never forget, did we mean it? Sure we give a nod to the tragedy of 9/11. But I think we have reached the point that the words are ringing hollow. Captain Jason Dahl is an icon at United Airlines and not because he was the Captain of Flight 93. He was a man that took every opportunity to challenge other people to step up, to be leaders and to be better every day. He would often ask a variation of the question “what are you doing with the opportunity given you?”. His legacy is a group of pilots who have stepped up and stepped in. So when I saw the quote from his wife Sandy, I knew that she had captured the essence of what Jason asked. If we are out there making a difference, working to improve the world, how on earth can we have time for hate? Hate is what took Jason, and the thousands of others who lost their lives, from this world too soon.

As with other years, I look back and tell the stories, try to remember the good in the midst of horror and do my best to honor those we lost. When I saw the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches (by Kim Singdahlsen) this week, I thought maybe I had a way to say it with a card.

I chose the blue for the obvious reason. Always the blue September sky. But also a simple wish. I wish for a day of kindness, joy and beauty. The sentiment dies are from The Greetery (Let’s Have A Word: Beautiful Dies) and the flower is from Spellbinders (Butterfly Bouquet Press Plate). Both are inked using Distress Oxide Ink in Tumbled Glass.

I have written my thought and memories for years now. If you care to read:  9th Anniversary, 10th Anniversary, 11th Anniversary, 12th Anniversary, 13th Anniversary, 14th Anniversary, 15th Anniversary, 18th Anniversary and 19th Anniversary, 20th Anniversary, 21st Anniversary and 22nd Anniversary.

As we move through this 23rd Anniversary, I have an ask of you. Take a moment to walk in someone else’s shoes. Use a most respectful interpretation of intent and give people the benefit of the doubt. Choose to see differences as something that adds beauty to your world. I hope you have a beautiful day.

In memory of:

United 93:  Jason Dahl, LeRoy Homer Jr., Lorraine Bay, Sandra Bradshaw, Wanda Green, CeeCee Lyles, Deborah Welsh

United 175:  Victor Saracini, Michael Horrocks, Robert Fangman, Amy Jarret, Amy King, Kathryn Laborie, Alfred Marchand, Michael Tarrou, Alicia Titus, Marianne McFarlane, Jesus Sanchez

American 11:  John Ogonowski, Thomas McGuinness, Barbara Arestegui, Jeffrey Collman, Sara Low, Karen Martin, Kathleen Nicosia, Betty Ong, Jean D. Roger, Dianne Snyder, Madeline Sweeney

American 77:  Charles Burlingame III, David Charlebois, Michele Heidenberger, Jennifer Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Renee May