As the world prepares to mark the somber anniversary of the September 11th attacks, many hearts are heavy with memories of loved ones lost. One such heart belongs to Kai Hernandez, a woman whose life changed forever on that fateful day 24 years ago. Just months into her marriage to Glenn Thompson, Kai received a phone call that would become etched in her memory forever. Her husband, working high above New York City’s streets on the 104th floor of the North Tower, rang to say goodbye as chaos erupted around him. Glenn’s remains were never recovered, leaving Kai to navigate the path of grief and remembrance alone.
September 11th, 2001, started like any other day for Kai and Glenn. The sun was shining, and the air was crisp—a perfect morning in New York City. Glenn took their young son to catch the school bus, a typical fatherly routine filled with love and care. Little did they know that as the morning unfolded, their lives would be forever altered. When the phone rang, Kai hurried to answer, instinctively knowing it was Glenn. Their conversation was laced with love but shadowed by a terrifying backdrop of urgency and fear. The noise she heard on the line was like a chorus of despair, a reminder of the hell that was soon to engulf the nation.
In the years following the attacks, Kai channeled her grief into something meaningful. Recognizing Glenn’s passion for the outdoors and helping others, she established the Glenn Thompson Memorial 9/11 Scholarship in collaboration with the National Search Dog Alliance. This initiative honors not just Glenn’s memory, but also the tireless efforts of search and rescue teams who worked without rest in the aftermath of the attacks. Over the past two decades, the program has sponsored more than 30 search and rescue dogs, aiding in efforts across the United States. Each dog represents a step towards healing, hope, and the incredible capacity of the human—and canine—spirit.
For Kai, each year brings a mix of sorrow and celebration. The anniversary of the attacks is not just a day of remembrance; it is a day that ties together the threads of her past and present. While many might expect a somber day focused solely on loss, Kai finds ways to honor Glenn’s adventurous spirit. She ensures that September 11th is about more than just remembrance; it is about living life fully—a testament to the joy Glenn brought into her life and the lives of those around him.
Tomorrow, as the reading of names echoes across the nation and candle flames flicker in remembrance, Kai will carry out her tradition. After paying tribute to the lives lost, she will visit Glenn’s favorite beach. With a cold Budweiser longneck in hand—his drink of choice—she will celebrate their memories together amidst the beauty of nature. Kai’s approach to the day encapsulates a lesson in resilience: the ability to cherish memories while embracing the joy of life, just as Glenn would have wanted. Despite the weight of grief, she continues to thrive, lighting a path for others in the face of unfathomable tragedy.
