Have you seen Moonstruck? The film, released in 1987, headlines Cher, Nicolas Cage, and an all‑star cast. I love it because it reflects a family and their NYC lives in the 1980s. But one aspect of the film is hard for me to watch—the recurring vision of the moon over the Twin Towers. I feel a deep ache in my soul whenever I see it.

My novels take place in the 1980s, and I sometimes long for that decade. Of course we had problems, but life was different. I felt secure in my environment and never worried about my safety in school, church, or large social events. I wasn’t consumed with politics or concerned about scammers stealing my identity. I simply assumed I was safe. That feeling was stolen from many of us on 9/11.

The Bicentennial celebration in 1976 was a joyful, patriotic experience, and most of us were unified in our resolve to protect our freedoms. But the 250th was disappointing to me, overshadowed by an underlying feeling of dread that something could happen on that day. Thank God it didn’t.

I worked on September 11, 2001. My oldest was in second grade, and my younger children were at home with my Aunt Eleanor. I heard the unfolding events on the radio and kept the broadcast on throughout the day at my office. I experienced tense hours because my brother was working at the Pentagon, but I continued to work, and eventually learned he was okay.

I expected my patients would cancel, but they kept their appointments. Some cried as soon as they sat in the dental chair, shocked and anxious about what would happen next. We all wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy by following our usual schedule, but it was very difficult to act as though everything was normal. We all had the sinking feeling that nothing would ever be the same.

Stories of loss were everywhere. My next‑door neighbors lost many friends and business associates. One of my patients lost his young niece at her first job. It was heartbreaking.

It’s hard to believe 25 years have passed. The ache is still there when I think about it. I hadn't watched the actual footage recently, but this year I did. And I remembered.

I hope you had time to reflect this weekend. I see signs that say “Never Forget." We must teach future generations what freedom is supposed to feel like. Our very existence depends on it.

Remembrance

Patriotism at Work 2,977 flags. One for every life lost. A quiet reminder that we still remember. God bless the parishioners of our church who placed the flags.

Our Lady of the Lake We pray for our country every Sunday

As I contemplate this solumn milestone, I look forward to the week ahead. I will try a soup recipe I haven't made for years. If it is good I will give you the recipe next time. There is a Great Gatsby party at Fred Astaire Studio on Friday, so I look forward to wearing my dancing shoes and my pearls. Until next Sunday ... Joanne