Forget Me Not

September 11th, 2011 - Forget Me Not

September 11th, 2011 - 12:00 pm EST

It has been ten years since my father was brutally murdered along with other innocent people during the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. Today is the anniversary of not only my father's death, but along with everyone else who died that day. With an acoustic guitar in hand and a rose in another, I sat by my father's grave at the 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero, placing the rose by the pile of flowers and positioned the guitar for me to play it.

"Hi daddy... Remember the last three words you told me before you died?" I asked, knowing I wouldn't have an answer. "You told me 'forget me not', based on the blue flowers we saw at the meadow together. Well... I wrote a song for you, daddy... Hope you are listening."

I slowly began to strum the strings of the guitar with my pick gently, creating a melodic tune as I started to sing for him.

"I know that there have been hardships in our lives

I know that there were times when we had to cry

At times like this, we ask ourselves why did this happen to us?

But now and then, I remember the words you said to me

Forget me not

I'll be with you no matter what

Forget me not

I know that this good bye will be our last

Forget me not

Dry your tears and smile for me

We will meet again someday

Until then, remember

Forget me not"

I strummed the last few notes and finished the song, looking at the carved name of my father with teary eyes. Placing two fingers to my lips, I pressed them against the stone, a sad smile curving my lips. "I love you daddy... Forget me not." I whispered, standing and turning to leave. At that moment, I could've sworn I heard my father's voice, saying those three words I had just told him.

"Forget me not.."