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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Bittersweet Thoughts...

On this day, I find myself thinking about all those souls we lost on that hideous day 6 years ago. I am thinking about their families and friends and the pain they have endured...the children who lost a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, sibling...the empty place that will never really be filled. I am thinking about the brave men and women who ran into Hell itself without a thought to their own safety but who cared only to try and rescue as many as they could. Some of those valiant ones who died in the process...heroes all. I am thinking of all the people in this world who were left scarred that day. Some of our naivete' was surely lost, as it was in the early 60s on the day John F. Kennedy was taken away from us. I am thinking about people around the world who know that destruction and sorrow are something that can happen to any one of us, at any time. Spain, England, Japan, Russia...we are all vulnerable. I am thinking about all those who live with terror and violence in war torn areas...who fear for their lives and those of their children's. Who live with fear daily yet manage to go about their lives and raise their families. I am still trying to understand the mind of a human being who hates so much that they wish dead, anyone whose religion, color, race, politics or lifestyle differs from their own. I am thinking about those they hate who would still risk their own safety to save those who despise them so. I am thinking about those men and women who volunteer to serve their countries and do so with pride and honor. I worry that we have become so far removed from this horrific event that we are beginning to, once again, take so many things for granted. To think that we will always see our loved ones at the end of the day...that we need not concern ourselves with the welfare of our fellow human beings...that we complain about airport delays and landmark metal detectors instead of remembering why we need them at all. That, as inconvenient as it may be, we still have it so much easier than so many others. I am thinking about the wonderful people of New York City who came together is a way that surprised even themselves. That warm feeling still exists today. I have seen it first hand. I am thinking about the people who became nurses, sailors, police officers, fire fighters, doctors, Red Cross workers, clergymen, Peace Corps volunteers, school volunteers or soldiers as a result of 9/11. It was their way of giving back to the world. I am thinking of all those who go about their daily lives with love and compassion and caring. It takes so little to shine a light in the world. Smile, hold a door, help with a package, give directions. Offer a helping hand to those less fortunate, be more patient with fellow drivers, sales people, restaurant servers. Hug those you love as often as you can. Tell people you care. Pray. It is so easy to become bitter. It is far more difficult to choose kindness, forgiveness, love.

16 comments:

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

Beautifully written. This anniversary has been heavy in my heart all day. I'm afraid so many of us have forgotten how it felt when we were attacked. And more importantly, how we felt when we banded together afterwards. Too much complaining now - not enough kindness and gratitude. But...change starts at home, right? This anniversary has reminded me of that which I have forgotten. Thank you for helping to remind me, as well.

smilnsigh said...

Thank you for this entry.

Yes, we must never forget.

Mari-Nanci

Carole Burant said...

I've always thought that it's a shame that it needs a tragedy like the 9/11 to bring people together...then after a few years, as you said, we start taking things for granted again. Thank you for this beautiful heartfelt post, dear Susie, you truly put down the same emotions I have in my heart. xoxo

Gill said...

Oh yes. Counting blessings, loving everyone, forgiving everyone.
Let go!
xo
Blue
Wonderful tribute, thank you!

Naturegirl said...

An extremely well written eloquent post! We count our blessings each day
and smile at one another. hugging and smiling at you NG

Andrea Frazer said...

I loved your post. And that song? One of my favorite. Chills every time. Especially the high note at the end. WOWZER. I adore my husband, but the fact that he can't appreciate this sort of soulfullness is always a large pill for me to swallow. It's beyond moving to me. Thanks for sharing.

Mary said...

Thank you so much for such a moving and wonderfuly well-written post.

Mrs. Geezerette said...

This is a very inspiring piece about 9/11 and remembering it and all the brave men and women involved.

We promised ourselves that we would never forget. But some of us have forgotten. If we haven't given way to complaining about small matters, we have allowed ourselves to slip into a state of complacence and we think it won't happen again.

Thank you for writing this.

Cheryl Wray said...

A beautiful post today!!! And you are so right...it's the small gestures, the simple acts of kindness,that can truly change things and help us keep it all in perspective.

Wendster said...

Wow! That was really beautiful, my friend. Such good advice about the kindness, too. Doesn't it just chap your hide when people are rude to those who are SERVING them? Random acts of Kindness will always be needed and appreciated.
Sorry I've been away ... I actually came by the night before last and wrote you a long witty post and when I clicked on post blogger said they were down for maintenance! Darn. I lost the screen when I used the forward and back arrows too many times, but I was thinking of you! I love coming over here for some humor and some lovin' kindness! Take care! I hope today is good to you!

Wendster said...

By the way .. I loved catching up on your blog! You and Mr. Dennehy photographed together? Scandalous! And where IS your Vera Wang? I bet Mr. Dennehy asked to borrow it. He wears it on Tuesdays, you know. On Taco Tuesday, when tacos are only $1. Periwinkle is one of my favorite colors, and used to be my favorite, but ten years ago it was replaced with: GAMBOGE. Oh my gosh! Gamboge is THE COLOR. It's that yellow that is kissed with orange ... just BARELY turning it orange, but still yellow. VERY yellow. But with orange. Indian orange .. or, if you look at a watercolor paint tube: gamboge!
OK. I have been diverted by your fabulous blog for way too long. I must get back to work. The house wants to be clean! Especially my kitchen.
Back to it.
(Whip snaps!) YOW.
Back to it NOW. LOL.

Michelle said...

what a beautiful tribute; thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Bless you for posting this....
Penny

Anonymous said...

It was a strange day for me. I spent 3 hours waiting in an airport for my son to return home from Korea. I watched all the people come and go, and the tradgedy was always on my mind. Rob said that all the planes he flew on were half full, and somber. HE also got the flight very cheap, sept 11th is stil not a good flighing day

Valerie said...

well said, my friend.

Rosemary said...

Hi Susie,
I felt kind of sad and blah all day yesterday. I felt better reading your post. You said it all so well.
Rosemary