I hope everyone had a beautiful September 11th. With much going on all across the country, I spent my September 11th mostly in deep contemplation and weeping.
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Early Sunday morning, we (my husband and I) sat eating our breakfast in front of the TV, watching the many tributes, memorials and replays of September 11, 2001. When we were asked to take a moment of silence in honor of those who died at ground zero, without thought or recognition of our actions, we reached out to take each other's hand. So natural, so spontaneous, reaching out for support as well as to support each other in this time of grief. All the still shots and all the video of that horrific day, the speeches, the recollections and loving sentiments where all too emotionally stirring. I sat and cried till I just couldn't take any more. There were dishes that needed washing, a bed to be made and a yard that needed tending.
Once my indoor chores were done, I spent the remainder of the day (a good eight hours) outdoors mowing and edging the lawn, cutting back hedges, trees and brambles, deadheading flowers and cleaning the beds. It was not just the need to break away from all the sadness. The day was so beautiful, so perfect. I did not want to go back indoors. I didn't want to go back to all the sadness. I wanted to stay out there with the sweet birds chirping, the buzzing bees, graceful butterflies and the sound of children at play in neighboring yards. So, outside I stayed, forgoing lunch and only breaking for larges drinks of water and a few bathroom trips.
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When I went back in, and after I showered and changed, the memorials and tributes were still in play. And although there were other options on other channels, I chose to sit and watch. I sat taking in all the new personal stories, all the loss and resolutions, and all the strength and courage of those who lived (and died) 9/11 first hand, and /or were directly effected by these ugly and cowardly terrorist strikes. And although I found myself morning and weeping for people I have never known, I couldn't help notice how liberating it all was. By bed time I was all cried out....completely drained. For the first time in these past ten years, I feel better informed, I feel I can better understand and I feel a cloud (which I never noticed) had been lifted (off of me). Off of me?....a bystander, a mere viewer / reader of the news......far from the actual terrorist strike sites? I never felt this strongly (as strongly as I do) over the news and images of terrorist strikes on other people of other countries. I suppose it has something to do with my being an American and that these strikes were aimed at fellow Americans on U.S. soil. All the more, I can't help thinking how, if I am feeling these things, (imagine) how that much more sadder, lonely, lost and confused; how much more bitter, frustrated and resentful the families (of those who perished on that day) are. Many of the families spoke of resilience, optimism, rectification and amends. How strong and courageous.....how beautiful they are. My heart, my prayers and my sincere best wishes go out to them all.
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And of all the first responders, and those who later came to the call.....all who have helped to rescue, heal, clean up and rebuild; I am so very moved by and so very thankful for them all.
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And of all who enlisted, all who have fought / are fighting the war against terrorism, all who have served and those who have died serving to keep us safe and preserve our freedom / our rights, I am so very thankful, so in aw of all you do and all you sacrifice.
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We shall Never Forget
God Bless America
