There is no way to peace, peace is the way.

An entire decade has flashed before my eyes but it only feels like I took a nap and woke up well-rested. Ten years has a way of doing that to you. It creeps up slowly, afraid of having the spotlight; but before you know it, it's still the center of the attention.

Ten years ago, I was in fifth grade and my problems involved who my best friends were, and whether or not I would be able to finish my homework fast enough so I can make it in time to watch my favorite cartoon on TV. Something extremely tragic happened ten years ago on this day, but I was only ten years old. All that I could comprehend was that my classmates were going home early one by one while I was still stuck on my "floor spot" in gym class. In the end I was able to leave school early as well. My dad picked me up from my elementary school -- I swear that was a first, and possibly a last.

We went home and watched the twin towers fall over and over again, while dust and tragedy filled the air of New York City. To my young mind, that was all.

Looking back, I realized that I was only a child when 9/11 happened. Today I see and can feel (but I assume only a fraction) of the broken hearts of families and silent cries of fallen heros. It makes me wonder what kind of skewed mentality or grasp of "understanding" I have right now as a 20 year old. Will all that matters to me today be found silly when I resmince upon it another decade later? 30 seems to be forever away, but will I blink my eyes and have tomorrow be another anniversary of this day? My curiousity cannot be stilled.

Nonetheless, I still feel like that child - the one who is probably lost but doesn't realize it yet. I just thank God that I'll have the choice to keep venturing forward. My heart goes out to all that has been lost at 9/11...you will never be forgotten. To those of us who are alive and breathing, we need to make it worthwhile...not only within our own lives but also for the world. Peace can start with just one person, just one small gesture. I really do believe a smile can change so much. Let us be reminded.