What were you doing on Sept. 11, 2001?

Some of us were at work. Others were in school or hanging out with friends or traveling on vacation.

Whatever you were busy doing when the news hit, your world immediately stopped in its tracks. The violence, the loss of life, the global implications – it was devastating.

This past Sunday marked the 10-year anniversary. Orcas Fire and Rescue had its new artifact from the Twin Towers on display: a six-foot long, 750-pound “I” beam. Fire Chief Mike Harris hopes to have it part of a permanent memorial by next year.

It was a somber day for all who attended, particularly for Orcas Fire and Rescue volunteers, who consider fire service a national brother- and sisterhood.

Every year when the anniversary comes, we bow our heads, think of the nearly 3,000 people who died and feel great sadness.

But what about the other 364 days of the year? How do we honor those who have passed?

We ask you to cherish as many of your days as possible. Life can change in a matter of minutes with one act of violence, one glance away from the road, one errant blood cell. Love those who are important to you. Appreciate the joy in life. Celebrate living in honor of those who have died. Our time here is fleeting; use it wisely.

We were all doing something different on that day 10 years ago. But our grief was universal, and we hope our healing can be too.