How motherhood has changed me

I've been thinking a lot about motherhood lately. About the joys. About how it's changed me in ways I couldn't possible prepare for. And about how I look at the world in a whole new way.

September 11th has always been meaningful to me. I consider New York to be "my" city. I consider it my home and have always felt a personal loss when remembering 9/11 despite not moving there until two years after the attacks.

But with this 10th anniversary it's different. The British media has done an amazing job covering the anniversary and sharing so many personal stories of loss and hope and survival from that day. But I can't watch it. I tried to watch a special on the attacks the other day and burst into tears.

I never cry. Ever (except at my grandmother's funeral and Caleb's bris). But now I look at what's happening in the world and it all feels so personal. So much heartache and so many amazing stories of survival and hope.

I don't know if it's because the London riots happened right before our eyes. Or if it's everything happening in the Middle East and feeling like we're on the verge of something big. Or if this is just what happens when you have children. But the world feels so much smaller and more connected than I've ever noticed before.

So, on this 10th anniversary, remember those who lost their lives that day. Remember the thousands of innocent people that have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pray for peace in the Middle East and beyond. And teach your children tolerance and acceptance.