Liz Gumbinner

On having a 9/11 birthday

I still meet expectant moms from time to time who share, with trepidation, that their due date is somewhere around today and they’d prefer any other delivery date at all. So I tell them I understand. I tell them it’s my birthday. And then I tell them what my dad said to me on 9/11/02, because they may need these words one day too. Here's something I wrote about having a 9/11 birthday living in New York City that I published last year. Each year it gets easier in some ways...and in some ways not so much. I hope you like it. Maybe it even gives you a little insight into the mind of all the 9/11 birthday revelers in your own life. And hey, if you do know someone marking a birthday or anniversary today, remember to be extra nice to them.  Even though we're Virgos -- strong resilient stock, you know -- they're experiencing a lot of mixed emotions. And they definitely deserve a huge, honkin' slice of cake with extra, extra buttercream frosting, if only a virtual one.

Also selling now

More popular picks people are buying right now.

More in LivingView all picks →

grove co

More than cleaning supplies—eco-friendly homecare from Grove Co.

The offering is practical, useful, and subtly elevates daily routines.

A smarter way to shop for everyday essentials

A smarter way to shop for everyday essentials

Let’s be honest: shopping for household essentials is not exactly the glamorous part of adulthood. But when those essentials can be better for your home, more thoughtfully packaged, and delivered without another errand on your calendar? …

Great deals on great rugs. Don't miss this sale!

Great deals on great rugs. Don't miss this sale!

A great rug can do more than cover a floor. It can pull a room together, make a space feel finished, define a cozy reading corner, or instantly make a dorm room feel less like a temporary landing zone and more like home. That's part of t…