September letter from our Founder, Michele Gannon
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Dear Friends of Mary’s Place by the Sea,
Where were you on September 11, 2001?
For the past 25 years, this has been the universal question asked around this time of year. It was a day of shock, despair, panic, and disbelief-a day that changed everything.
And then, somehow, the next day felt different.
We woke up to a world that seemed softer and kinder, a little more interested in one another. Our lives slowed down. The streets were quiet. People checked in on their neighbors, reached out to strangers, and seemed to recognize how deeply connected we all were.
At the time, I was working as a United Airlines Flight Attendant, based in Newark, New Jersey. Flight 93 carried my flying partners and friends. Because of that personal connection, I am drawn to the stories of September 11th and the many ways people remember that day.
A few years ago, my daughter interviewed me for one of her high school classes about my personal experience of 9/11. I found myself focusing on the words “Never Forget” and what they mean to me.
Never forget how our country came together.
Never forget how vulnerable we felt—and the people who made us feel safe.
Never forget the kindness shown to strangers.
Never forget the resilience of our neighborhoods.
Never forget how we surrounded and supported those who had lost someone they loved.
I think it is easy to forget.
Not because we don’t care, but because life moves forward. We return to our busy schedules, our responsibilities, our everyday routines. And little by little, the extraordinary ways we cared for one another during that time can become a distant memory.
So today, and throughout this month, I am shifting my thinking from Never Forget to We Remember.
We remember the people we lost.
We remember those who showed extraordinary courage.
We remember the kindness.
We remember the sense of community.
And we remember what it felt like to truly show up for one another.
At Mary’s Place by the Sea, we see another version of this every day.
Our guests often share the moment they learned they had cancer. It is their own personal moment when everything changes. The news can bring that same shock, panic, fear, and disbelief.
We hear it in their voices when we first speak with them on the phone. We see it when they arrive for their retreat. And we understand that, in those moments, what a woman needs most is to know that she is not alone.
Our commitment is to hold space for each woman-to listen, to welcome her, to care for her, and to remind her that she has a PLACE where she can pause, breathe, and simply be.
And to all of you who make this mission possible:
We remember you.
We remember your generosity.
We remember your time.
We remember your talents.
We remember every act of kindness and every expression of unconditional support for our mission.
Thank you for showing up for Mary’s Place, for our guests, and for one another.
Sending every reader of this newsletter a great big hug of gratitude.
Until next time…and PLEASE, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Michele Gannon
Founder & Executive Director
Mary’s Place by the Sea