Choose.

I've long wrestled with conflicting emotions when confronted with the surreal tableau of images, stories, and memories from 14 years ago.  In the days and weeks that followed, sadness and confusion reigned.  Eventually, a boiling anger frothed to the surface, coupled with distrust, suspicion, and distrust for anyone in a hijab, turban, or outwardly Muslim in appearance.  At the same time, I cloyingly struggled to extract the hope and relief that lurked deep within my mind, trying to dispel the vile cocktail of negative emotions that stirred each time I thought of the despicable acts that befell our country on 9/11/01.

With each passing year, however, my resolve grows stronger, and the benefit of perspective helps me to realize anew how blessed and lucky I was that day, and every day.  I cry each year on 9/11, but the tears are often tears of joy, pride, and gratitude.  I'm grateful for the tireless and selfless sacrifice of both the first responders, as well as the members of our armed forces who dedicate their lives to the protection of our freedom.  I'm proud of the countless stories of acts of heroism, large and small, that dot the landscape every year on this date (personal favorites include the story of Boston College alum Welles Crowther, aka the man in the red bandanna, and this year's story of Bretagne, the last living rescue dog who worked at the WTC site after 9/11).  And most of all, perhaps selfishly, I'm joyful that the life of my sister was spared.  

Choice is a wonderful thing, derived from the freedom we are afforded by living in this great country.  I choose to allow myself to feel, and to heal.  I choose to remember how much love and support I've received from family and friends.  I choose to believe that, while organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS/ISIL represent the worst in humanity, they are the exception, and not the rule.  I choose to believe in the overwhelming good in society, and the overall virtue of humanity.  I choose to be thankful that this path has led me to the place I am today, on the cusp of marrying the woman that I love.  What do you choose?