"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." (~William Arthur Ward)

Today, of course, is Sept. 11^th.

We all know that for the rest of our lives, all of us will collectively remember a horrific tragedy on this anniversary and share a common sense of grief.

Yesterday, I was in a car accident, and when it hit me what day it was today, I found myself contemplating just how very fortunate I am. I was reminded, once again, of how things in life really are capable of changing in an instant.

Sitting in a left-hand turning lane, stopped--I was waiting for a red light to turn green, when I suddenly heard a loud banging sound and then saw metal and plastic flying all over. I instantly recognized that it was me who'd been hit. A white truck had side-swiped the rental car I was in.

Thankfully, I am fine, if a little emotionally "rattled," and the person driving the truck was fine. Several people who had witnessed what happened came running over and were so kind and helpful. A pleasant young man spent his night locating and moving a new rental car to my hotel last night, and I am prepared to move on. (white truck pulled up near inner median to get it out of the way of traffic, below)

I am one lucky woman , and I know that…(note the side-view mirror is gone, below)

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. (~Thornton Wilder)