9.11.19

Morning baby Darby –

Today is always a strange day. 18 years since the attacks that took down the twin towers and part of the Pentagon. I always get a mix of emotions – sad, proud, guilty, distant. That day I was a freshman in High School. St. Peter’s Boys. I was sitting in one of the first classes when I remember Mr. Accardo saying there had been an attack in the city. I think I remember seeing the smoke from my History class, but I might be conjuring up that memory from what other people have told me. I do remember thinking about how close my mom worked to the twin towers. She was right across the street. Turns out, Grandma was in one of the walking bridges coming from the train when the first plane hit. Luckily, she started heading towards the ferry as soon as things were happening, and she made one of the last one’s home. I couldn’t get in touch with her or Grandpa. I was scared, but something in me also knew that they were okay. When she came home, she was covered in dust and whatever else came down. My dad got home later that night. The next day school was closed and like the selfish little prick I was, I was happy because I didn’t have to go to class. What an asshole. And what a strange time in my life. We had just moved that summer from Brooklyn to Staten Island and I didn’t really have any friends. A friend of mine that I grew up with in Brooklyn named Matty lost his dad that day. I really can’t believe it was 18 years ago. In the months after the attacks everyone had these Never Forget signs plastered everywhere. Car decals, front lawns, t-shirts, you name it. And I was confused – how the hell could you forget? But now I understand. They weren’t talking about the attack; they were talking about the people. Talking about how the country recovered. Talking about the bravery of the first responders. I’m not the biggest patriot. I love the U.S. but I don’t wear it on my sleeve. But let me tell you, even at that young age I could feel everyone come together. I hope we never experience a tragedy like that in your lifetime, but if we do I hope we’re nowhere near it. I don’t think about it as much now but there was a time when all I could think about was saying goodbye to your mom in the morning and not seeing her again because of a terrorist attack. They did that to us. They instilled that fear. But like every New Yorker, you just keep living and attacking life. I want you to grow up with that mentality. I’m sure people in Georgia are lovely, nice and patriotic. But are they gritty? Are they walking past homeless people taking a shit on the sidewalk? Do I really want that for you? Has that really impacted my character or your moms? I’m rambling now so I’m going to wrap it up. 9/11/01 is an incredibly important day in our nation’s history and I won’t ever let you forget it because the people who died deserve to have their memories honored.

Okay, onto lighter stuff. Last night was my first basketball game of the season. Went to 4OT’s and we lost on a last second shot. I played pretty poorly on offense but did a good job on defense. I didn’t realize it during the game, but I definitely pulled my groin and if I didn’t pull it, I at least strained my right hamstring. Fucking sucks. I’m out here limping and in big pain.

In other news, mom found out that her cousin Loren is pregnant today. Can’t say I’m too shocked. Due in May. Mom is bummed because there are all these people pregnant around the same time she is. Wants it to be her thing. I get it, but once you’re here none of that shit will matter.

Alright time to dive into some work. Remember to stay positive and spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.

Love you big time,

Dad