We visited the 9/11 Memorial on a rainy Friday evening. After going through security that makes the airports look like a breeze (not complaining!) and walking around a maze to get inside the actual site, we were there.

My first time on the grounds since the towers stood tall.

I broke down and cried like I was John Boehner. And I was the only one because the tourists were too busy taking pictures of their friggin kids smiling in front on the fountains.

We paid our respects to the two people we knew who left us that day. My husband’s firefighter buddy and a wedding photography client of mine. I saw on the computer search that they used what I think was one of my images. It’s good to know they’re getting some use. He died a few days short of their first anniversary.

The fountains are beautiful and the layout is well done. It’s still a work in progress but it’s going to be a peaceful spot to sit and reflect. There were probably more security guards than visitors there, so it’s creating jobs for the city.

During construction, you need to get tickets to visit. They’re available online and they are free.