Ten Years Later

As I sit here in my office, I cannot help but think about how much has changed over the past decade since 9/11; as well as how much remains the same.

On 9/9/01, I flew out of Detroit with my wife after attending a writer conference and visiting family. Just a routine flight, easy access to the airport, and life seemed merry with so much to look forward to.

Two days later, all hell broke loose and life as we know it in the United States changed forever.

Now when I fly, the routine is quite different than it was then. The shoes come off automatically as I pass through security, pat downs and hard stares now come with the territory, and images of planes plowing into skyscrapers never quite go away.

Like most people, I thought that the 9/11 attack was only the beginning of regular terrorist attacks on our soil, much like experienced in some other countries. But strong counterterrorism measures by law enforcement has managed to keep us safe, thus far, to go about our daily lives.

As with those who lived through Pearl Harbor attack, 9/11 will remain forever etched in our minds. Along with a sense of vulnerability that makes one want to appreciate and live each and every day to the fullest.

Over the last ten years life has pretty much drifted back to normal for a very busy writer as I contemplate deadlines, new projects, promotion, the changing literary landscape, and finding time to smell the roses.

After the shattering of our collective calm and sense of security a decade ago, I wouldn't have it any other way. As that old adage goes: "The only thing to fear is fear itself."

How wonderful that we have not allowed fear to keep us from living our lives and making the most of.

Terrorism can never take away the true spirit of America and the freedoms we take for granted. We will not allow it.

What are your thoughts ten years later? Or better yet, looking ahead to the next ten years?

Now back to a typical day in the life of a novelist...