My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
It's hard for me to fathom that it's been 19 years since 9/11.
Like so many other people, it literally feels as though it was only last month.
My dear, longtime blogging friend, Rob at The Luna Park Gazette, was actually there on that day. His office was in the Financial District; therefore, he saw much of 9/11 unfold before his very eyes. He writes about what he recalls in a very touching blog post, Retracing My Steps, if you would like to read it.
In fact, on one of my visits to Manhattan many years ago, I met Rob down in the Financial District and he showed me exactly where he was standing as he watched smoke pour out the North Tower and the South Tower exploded into flames as the second plane hit the building. It was both chilling and sad to look up to where he was pointing and no longer see the Twin Towers.
One of the many things that moved me about what Rob shared in his blog post, was what he wrote at the end of the story in regards to the 9/11 memorial services that occur every year in New York City at the site...
"That’s why these memorial services are so important—because we do forget the things we should always remember. We need to be reminded of life’s fragility, how tomorrow is promised to no one, and how everything we hold dear can be taken away in a second."
He's right, we do need to remember what we learned from 9/11.
Like so many other people, it literally feels as though it was only last month.
My dear, longtime blogging friend, Rob at The Luna Park Gazette, was actually there on that day. His office was in the Financial District; therefore, he saw much of 9/11 unfold before his very eyes. He writes about what he recalls in a very touching blog post, Retracing My Steps, if you would like to read it.
In fact, on one of my visits to Manhattan many years ago, I met Rob down in the Financial District and he showed me exactly where he was standing as he watched smoke pour out the North Tower and the South Tower exploded into flames as the second plane hit the building. It was both chilling and sad to look up to where he was pointing and no longer see the Twin Towers.
One of the many things that moved me about what Rob shared in his blog post, was what he wrote at the end of the story in regards to the 9/11 memorial services that occur every year in New York City at the site...
"That’s why these memorial services are so important—because we do forget the things we should always remember. We need to be reminded of life’s fragility, how tomorrow is promised to no one, and how everything we hold dear can be taken away in a second."
He's right, we do need to remember what we learned from 9/11.
Which reminds me of what I've heard so many times before, "Why does it take a tragedy or a disaster to unify?"
But today, rather than focus on the tragedy of that day, I would like to focus on the good that came from it.
And yes, I do believe there was good because it so clearly revealed the dichotomy of what human beings are capable of.
Both darkness and light.
And that is why 9/11 is so bittersweet.
It was one of the most darkest days in America. Yet, it was also a day filled with tremendous light because it exemplified the natural instinct within humans to reach out and help others who are suffering.
In fact, whenever I watch documentaries on 9/11, what always moves me to tears are the acts of kindness that not only came from the people who were directly affected that day, but from people all over the U.S. and other parts of the world who offered their support and assistance. It was as if we were all experiencing the pain and suffering as one, desperate to help in any way we could.
Yes, 9/11 was horrendous. And it's something that still shakes me to the core.
However, I'm just as guilty as anyone else in forgetting what it taught me.
I often slip back to my unconscious-self, oblivious to how fragile life is. I lose sight of what's most important and what is not. I get wrapped up in how things only pertain to me, forgetting that this worldly experience is about "us."
I think the reason why this year seems to be affecting me more than previous years is because of what's been going on within the media and political landscape of America.
A lot of chaos and darkness.
But as I shared before, I have great faith in the spirit of the people in this country to rise above it all and come together in power.
And I truly believe that.
9/11 is a very potent reminder of how fragile life is; of what's really important; and just how much we have in common, regardless of our differences.
It is also a reminder of what will always prevail.
And that is...
...light.
But today, rather than focus on the tragedy of that day, I would like to focus on the good that came from it.
And yes, I do believe there was good because it so clearly revealed the dichotomy of what human beings are capable of.
Both darkness and light.
And that is why 9/11 is so bittersweet.
It was one of the most darkest days in America. Yet, it was also a day filled with tremendous light because it exemplified the natural instinct within humans to reach out and help others who are suffering.
In fact, whenever I watch documentaries on 9/11, what always moves me to tears are the acts of kindness that not only came from the people who were directly affected that day, but from people all over the U.S. and other parts of the world who offered their support and assistance. It was as if we were all experiencing the pain and suffering as one, desperate to help in any way we could.
Yes, 9/11 was horrendous. And it's something that still shakes me to the core.
However, I'm just as guilty as anyone else in forgetting what it taught me.
I often slip back to my unconscious-self, oblivious to how fragile life is. I lose sight of what's most important and what is not. I get wrapped up in how things only pertain to me, forgetting that this worldly experience is about "us."
I think the reason why this year seems to be affecting me more than previous years is because of what's been going on within the media and political landscape of America.
A lot of chaos and darkness.
But as I shared before, I have great faith in the spirit of the people in this country to rise above it all and come together in power.
And I truly believe that.
9/11 is a very potent reminder of how fragile life is; of what's really important; and just how much we have in common, regardless of our differences.
It is also a reminder of what will always prevail.
And that is...
...light.
If you have time this weekend and feel like doing so, please watch this short, uplifting documentary, narrated by Tom Hanks: BOATLIFT - An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience. I had no idea that this occurred on that day. It's such a perfect example of the light within us all.
And as one of the boatlifters so touchingly said in the documentary, "Everyone has a hero within them."
And as one of the boatlifters so touchingly said in the documentary, "Everyone has a hero within them."
Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!
💗 + 💡
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