How Have We Grown Raising the Barr Weekly Memo: Issue 348

Here we are again. September 11, 2019, now 18 years since that horrific attack on our nation that we simply remember as 9/11. Forever ingrained in our brains, those numbers, 9/11, only conjure up that which is evil and still incomprehensible. How have we grown? What have we learned and how has the world changed since that fateful day?

I look back on this past year and reflect upon the senseless loss of life from mass shootings, the political turmoil and divisiveness, and the devastation as hurricane Dorian rained down its fury on the people of the Bahamas.

So much tragedy; more than enough to sour my hope, optimism and outlook.
But looking back, I’ve learned that no matter the pain, fear and heartbreak, there are still many things that remain the same and even more things to appreciate and be thankful for. This nation has worked on its healing, good people are found doing good, selfless deeds and acts of kindness everywhere I look, new innovations, creativity and growth all around us, and that, as always, the sun still rises each morning.

I hope that next year, when the next 9/11 rolls around, I will find this nation more united, stronger, vigilant, and in a world that knows peace. We owe it to ourselves, to our children and most importantly our grandchildren and the generations to come.

Wishing you comfort and peace on this day and all days.