Nine eleven.

Every September 11th, I have reason to take stock, look back on the year that's passed and think ahead for the next year of challenges and opportunities. I consider my post-Labor Day retreat to Rehoboth as something of a New Year's celebration. It's in the Fall that I feel like we get "reset" and I launch in to a new season. There are also three key things that are my focus on September 11th. My Dad's birthday, the 9/11 attacks and the birthday of this here blog which turns 5 today.

The first is the most important to me which is my Dad's birthday. He turns 60 this year! I love my Dad so much. He is such an amazing person and such an incredible father. He has taught me so much and I would not be the man I am today without his ever-loving guidance. He has lead by example and taught through kindness and generosity who I hope to become as I get older. The man has the humor of a master comedian, the heart of a loveable bear, and the determination of no one I've met. As I strive to become a better person, I look to him as my guide. I love you, Donnie Steven Sr. I adore you.

The second reason that September 11th is so important is the unfortunate 9/11 attacks. This year marks ten years since that dreadful day. Having been in New York that day, there is a different feeling I have than many who were not witness to the craziness of that day. The panic in my fellow New Yorker's eyes, the dust covered office workers making their way by foot uptown and the feeling I had when I hugged my friends who had all rushed to our local pub waiting and hoping that all of us were ok. Luckily, we were all ok. We were accounted for and felt blessed. I don't want to get in to the politics of that day and everything that has transpired since. I'll leave that to the CNN and FOX news experts. I look back at that day and know that it forever changed me. It made me look at my world differently and gave me an appreciation for the moments we have been given and that we should never assume that anything is promised. We must always keep in mind that nothing is owed to us and it can all be snatched away in an instant. I had my friends that day in New York to say it was ok. I'm lucky enough to have an amazing family that I adore. I'm also lucky to have friends that I consider family as well. Friends are the family you get to choose. That day, I also chose New York - a definite friend to me.

Lastly, the 3rd major thing on my mind today is this here blog which turns 5 today. I have loved writing on this blog each and every day. I haven't missed a day writing on this blog in over 3 years. Each day I take a moment to post a little video, or an image or a quote that rings true to me. I've enjoyed each time I post a little something that makes me laugh or even cry. This gives me a creative outlet and also allows me a voice to reach out to folks. I love Dashus:land and I love you for reading it.

Here is to an amazing year ahead. We are lucky and blessed for each moment we get to share and revel in. Happy birthday Dad and Dashus:land!

Big love! xox.