9/11/2011

Today was a day of reflection and remembrance.  Remembrance of the people who lost their lives, the brave first responders, the survivors, the nightmares, the emotional scars and the first glimmers of hope in the aftermath of 9/11/2001.  It was also a day spent remembering the many reasons we love the city we call home.

This morning we watched the memorial ceremony on tv with our hearts in our throats and tears in our eyes.  But we spent the afternoon with smiles and laughter and feelings of gratitude for NYC and our amazing community.  Cavan and his friend Cate decided to set up a lemonade and cookie stand to raise money for the Tuesday's Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the children of 9/11.

The sale was a huge success and the kids stayed until the last cookie was sold and the last drop of lemonade drained from the cooler.  But with vendors as cute as these two (plus a pint sized New Yorker as an assistant) how could they fail?

Lulu, Cavan and Cate

The little assistant was eager to help but also had trouble keeping her hands out of the cookie jar.  Note the telltale evidence smeared on her face.

Customers came from up and down the block: neighbors, friends, strangers, and policemen from the precinct across the street who made sure to let the kids know how much they appreciated their efforts.  (The fact that they were selling without the proper permits was quietly overlooked.)

After tallying the day's receipts the kids will write personal letters to the foundation to send along with a check that may be small in number but is huge in love.  We couldn't be more proud of these thoughtful, bright and compassionate children.

And today, tomorrow, and forever, we will love New York City.