9/11: Looking Back, Moving Ahead...

It's been 12 years since 9/11. I had only lived here in NYC for one month. I remember everything about that day and I hope I never forget. That day showed me more than any other (with the exception of Hurricane Sandy) that people are inherently good and come together to help each other.

Trinity Boxing Gym in my building always has a special message for the neighborhood , we're 2 blocks from WTC site.

A lot has happened since then, but each year we come together and we're all New Yorker's as we celebrate those who gave the biggest sacrifice as well as all we've achieved since then. Here are two comparison shots, the left from 2001 and the right from 2012/13 of the area immediately around my building or from my roof...

I've had the pleasure of living next to the WTC site for over 10 years now, and watching the growth has been such an honor. I truly love my diverse neighborhood and all the life in it. Watching the tallest building in America go up is an amazing experience and I've been capturing the changing area ever since I moved here. 

As we reflect back and remember, let's celebrate looking forward and where we've come from ... xx

All photos by Kari Hansbarger except where noted.