This week's episode is "Where Do We Go from Here?" with September 11th Survivor and Photographer Mike Casey. It's January 2021, and it's been a LONG month. Many people are just trying to get by and live their lives the best they can. And many have been forced to rebuild their lives. Today's guest is an expert at starting over.

In the Summer of 2001, Mike Casey had just landed a top position at the largest advertising firm in New England. And TJX Companies had newly created a position for his beautiful young wife, Neilie.  On September 11th, Neilie was on American Airlines Flight 11 when it was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Mike's life as he knew it…was over. On September 12th, he had no choice but to continue on and take care of their 7-month old baby girl, Riley. Mike explains how he dealt with the loss, picked up the pieces to create a new life, and how he found love again.

For the Casey’s, life was better than good. Together, they were on top of the world. Both had great new jobs.  They had a beautiful baby, little Riley.  A new home. They were happy. When Mike found himself at the center of 911, whether he knew it or not, he found a way to navigate this epic tragedy, an event that would change his life forever. He had to rethink life for his daughter and him. In the days following 911, Mike Casey was determined not to be a victim of that day. And instead, he proudly calls himself a survivor. 

And yes, Mike did find love again.  In 2005, he married WBZ-TV Channel 4 news anchor Lisa Hughes in her home state of Idaho. Lisa adopted Riley.  And, ten years later after 911, Lisa and Mike adopted a newborn baby boy they named Dylan. Mike also changed careers leaving the advertising world for photography. Almost twenty years ago, his life was in shambles, but I can safely say, he in fact did not let 911 define him. 

Kerry Brett and Mike Casey cover a lot of ground. Topics include;
When faced with tragedy or loss rely on three things; faith, family and friends.
Find yourself a great therapist and peel back that onion.
The importance of good-byes.
When overcoming something major lose deadlines or timelines.
The importance of moving forward rather than moving on.
Why having zero expectations helps when dating.
Take things, an hour at a time, 30 minutes at a time, or better yet live moment to moment and do the best you can to stay in the present. 
Keep leaning on people. Let people in, that is the key, learn to let others in.
Give yourself permission to grieve, be afraid, make mistakes. There is no handbook, for surviving a pandemic. We are all trying to figure it out. Allow yourself some grace.
When you lose hope or are filled with despair. Remember you’ve got your whole life ahead of you.
After, this pandemic, our lives will never be the same, but you will be happy again. 

For more information on Mike Casey, you can find him at www.caseyphotography.net or follow on Instagram @caseyphoto101.