I still can’t believe ten years have passed and Michael is gone. Sometimes it feels like a long time and then other times it feels like it just happened. You never get over the loss and you never forget. This 10th Anniversary was a joyous one for me. Icouldn’t be happier about the Memorial that was created to preserve our loved ones memories. I was truly blessed by all those who came out to help me start September’s Mission Foundation.
I was lucky to have met Heidi 3 weeks after the horrific attacks. We were both young and had both lost our loves in tragic, unexpected ways. I was trying to figure out how I was going to start my Mission knowing very little of the process. Heidi was able to guide me through her work at ACCESS and gave me hope that I too, could make a difference. I will be forever grateful to ACCESS.
It never gets easier and I didn’t move on, I moved into my new life: the life without Michael. I am remarried now with two beautiful daughters. I’m able to have this life because of my Mission to make sure we would have a fitting Memorial for all those we lost on 9/11.
I was able to bring my girls to the 10th Anniversary this year and showed them where Michael’s name is. I hope I have created a legacy that they will be proud of someday and will inspire them to accomplish whatever they set out to do in their lives.
Monica Iken-Murray lost her husband Michael Iken, 37, in Tower Two on 9/11/01
