I felt pulled to the tip of Pier A Park this morning, where I sat from about 8:40 until about 9:15 staring at the bottom of Manhattan. It was so quiet, even a few ferry boats were idling in the middle of the Hudson River. The most prominent sound was a lawn mower, as city employees readied the park for the 9/11 memorial service to be held later.

I wish I could say I feel hopeful for our country and its place in the world, but it feels we’re more divided than ever. And yet, through my life coaching practice and my own spiritual journey, I know the events of that day changed many people for the better.

Sometimes I still can’t believe it happened. But almost every day I look across the river and I know it is so.