Where were you on September 11, 2001? There is probably no one over the age of twenty who doesn't remember. So it goes with tragic world events. As we approach the 10th anniversary of those nightmarish hours and their aftermath, it is fitting and proper to remember those who were lost, and to say a prayer for their families who, no doubt, are still grieving.
Grieving takes a long time. I know, having lost my father at a very young age. It seemed strange to me, in my twenties, that I couldn't watch a young woman hug her dad without feeling an overwhelming sense of grief and longing. I think, with greater maturity, I have come to understand that losing a loved one will always leave a tender aching; a place of pain that never fully heals.
And so, as we approach this weekend, be kind, there are many souls who are sensitive and sorrowing. As we look back, through news stories, video, and Ground Zero events, feelings of anger, insecurity and grief may come flooding back. Each of us will remember what we lost that day, but those who had loved ones snatched from their lives will feel a special private and intense pain.
I remember that September morning. I was going about my business, looking for a job. Suddenly my interview was interrupted by a phone call. The interviewer looked a little stunned, but said nothing and went on with our conversation. A half minute later her phone rang again. This time there was a look of utter horror. She began crying and explained to me that two planes had flown into the Twin Towers in New York City, and another plane had flown into the Pentagon. Our nation was under attack.
| The Gold Star Memorial Bridge, spanning the Thames River between New London and Groton, Connecticut |
I was in New London, Connecticut at the time, not far by air from New York City. The Thames River lies between New London and my hometown of Stonington. On that river, just north of the bridge I needed to cross, is the Naval Submarine Base at Groton. I immediately left the interview, watching the sky, wondering if this bridge might also be a target. If it was hit, its collapse would prevent any submarine at the base from leaving port. I was scared, and I just wanted to be with my family.
When I left home that day, it was a beautiful end of summer morning--a morning like so many others.When thousands of New York City residents left their homes to go to work at the Twin Towers they were also simply going about their routine business. They kissed a spouse good-bye, dropped children off at school, or stopped to buy gasoline or pick up a newspaper. How could they know that everything was about to change in the most unimaginable way? We just never know what any day will bring. September 11, 2001 was the last day on earth for thousands of people, and the beginning of sorrow for millions more. Any day might be a day of sorrow or of unimaginable joy. Whatever today brings, it is the very best day to show our love, give someone a hug, share a smile, and express our gratitude to family and friends. Life and loved ones are so precious, and unthinkable as it may seem, we may not have another chance!
TODAY'S INSPIRED QUOTATION:
Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.
Margaret Cousins, writer
