We’ve been living in a surreal world where time has stalled, where a pandemic, sickness, fear, death, heroic health care workers, vaccines, economic hardship, health concerns, and isolation from family and friends have surrounded us. What a time we have seen.

My mask wardrobe includes N95s, cloth and the standard blue/whites. I wear them where mandated and where I think the situation dictates. I am vaccinated. I choose my gatherings and my activities. I’m keeping myself safe and others.

Back orders on international and domestic deliveries, workplace changes and suspended community activities affect us daily. Children returning to school, hospital crowding, over-worked health care workers and the health of our citizens worry us every day. Grave international and domestic situations fill our news.

As a society we have been carrying a heavy load. But I am mindful of the legacy of 9/11, of the bravery of all involved, of our oneness as a nation during that time, of common values. And that’s where I will focus; on our unity as a people, as Americans who care more about what unites us than what divides us. I will turn a blind eye to misinformation and emotionally charged propaganda; to crass showmanship and misguided stories. And I will vote.

Time confronted us with something different, beyond what we could have imagined. It will shape us in new ways, but let’s face these new ways as a united people.

September 9, 2011, fills me with emotion and makes me want the best for our country; to forever acknowledge the legacy, the bravery, the loss – and the oneness – of these United States.