Family Gathers in Sedona Weeks After 9/11 Attacks

Siblings Day trip took a serious turn when brother-in-law's diabetes test revealed concerning results.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In the weeks after the September 11th terrorist attacks, the author's family gathered in Sedona, Arizona to celebrate their mother's 60th birthday. The trip included competitive games, meals out, and family photos - but took a serious turn when the author's brother-in-law, who has Type 1 diabetes, checked his blood sugar levels and found they were dangerously high. While the brother-in-law was able to get his diabetes under control through diet and medication, years later the author's sister-in-law pointed to research suggesting a link between Type 2 diabetes and the bile-duct cancer that would later claim the brother-in-law's life.

Why it matters

This story provides a personal glimpse into how families coped and came together in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, while also highlighting the challenges of managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and the potential long-term impacts they can have.

The details

The author's family, including their mother, her brother and his wife, the author's siblings and their spouses, all rented condos in Sedona for the 60th birthday celebration. The trip included typical family activities like table tennis, games of Balderdash, and meals out. However, it took a serious turn when the author's brother-in-law, who has Type 1 diabetes, checked his blood sugar and found his levels were dangerously high, unlike the rest of the family members who tested normal.

  • The trip took place in the weeks after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
  • The author's mother had previously celebrated her 50th birthday in Sedona in 1991.

The players

Kenneth M. Walsh

The author of the article and a member of the family that gathered in Sedona.

Bill

The author's brother, who was married to Jacqueline.

Jennifer

The author's sister, who was married to Anthony.

Terence

The author's brother, who was single at the time.

Jacqueline

The author's sister-in-law, who is married to Bill.

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What they’re saying

“Although there is no known cause of the cholangiocarcinoma (bile-duct cancer) that would later claim his life, my sister-in-law pointed me to some research that suggests there could be a increased risk of it in people with Type 2 diabetes, which in recent years has made the shadow that was cast on this Sedona trip a bit longer in my memory.”

— Kenneth M. Walsh (kennethinthe212.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights how families can come together in the face of tragedy and uncertainty, while also underscoring the importance of managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and being aware of potential long-term impacts on one's health.