A few weeks ago we headed to NYC to visit with some of good friends. (which i’ll blog about soon!) While we were there we made a stop at ground zero to pay our respects and also bring my mom who hadn’t been there since the attacks. Of course the was some internal dialogue but no words can compare to the emptiness you feel in your heart while you walk the streets around the world trade center. The last time I was there about 4 years ago, we walked around but we didn’t go into St. Josephs Chapel – this time we did. It was the only thing that remained untouched across the street from the twin towers. It is the place that became a safe haven, a place to sleep, a place to fall apart, and even a simple place to eat. Many of the fireman remained at the church for days in order to stay close but still have the basic needs to function . I had no idea the inside has become a memorial .. I snapped some pictures so I can keep them and share them with the kids when they get older. Somedays it’s still hard for me to believe that even happened – It all becomes so personal when you see names of people and their families. They all had a story. They all still have a story. We are all better people for their stories.

As I was walking into St. Joseph's Chapel I pushed the shutter without knowing or looking through my camera. When I uploaded my images this is what I saw - I love how the sign 'they are in peace' is there in front of the chapel and how the sunshine is pouring over the church entrance and the sign - i've always called those sunshine rays 'angels' so when i saw this image it struck something in my soul. accident? I dont think so....

When you first walk in this is to your left - All the fire/police badges that were sent in from around the world.

Piles and piles...

This is one of the first things that stuck me. I just stopped in my tracks looking at the firetruck. A small child, thought enough to send a firetruck that I'm sure they loved - just to show their respect?! Amazing. A true reminder that this day affected people of all ages.

Firemans coat.. so many spent so many hours, days, weeks here...

Jackson, Rick, Molly, My Mom and I stopped to light a candle and to said a prayer....or a few.

Bless their hearts. This struck my heart. There is something about the children supporting the amazing men and women who were working endlessly that blows me away. How lucky are we to have such amazing children in our World.

This was my favorite shot. Those nails were pulled from ground zero- it now sits in the center of St. Joseph's Chapel.

The Steel Beams that were also pulled from ground zero..

The sign.
To those we lost – we are forever grateful. We will never forget. We will see you again someday.. May you be surrounded by love and light until we meet again.
Much love and a heart of gratitude,