Remember 9/11

I’ve written quite a bit about memory – you would think it was something we work on or with every day, right? Right. We were talking about things we remember from earlier today to yesterday, last week, last month and so on.  I asked “what were you doing on 9/11?”  Mike answered “9/11/01?  I was at home when it happened and then Matt came over.  Nate came home early and…” He went on for a few minutes with great detail. That day was not part of memory lost.  He remembered 9/11/01.  I’m sure you do too.  I’m sure we all know exactly what we were doing in that moment - that moment time stood still. 

I was in the clubhouse kitchen with Shelby, Karen, Linda and Margaret.  Engaged in our “while we’re getting coffee” morning chats. I remember Shelby was waiting for William driving in from Charlottesville…we stood near the TV talking but kind of watching the Today Show, listening to Katie and Matt and then “it” happened.  We stood in disbelief, unable to move.  The first plane, our eyes still fixed on the TV as we watched the second plane fly into the World Trade Center tower.  And then the Pentagon – it got personal.  Was David ok?  Were we going to be ok? The kids? What was next?  Bobby was working at the White House then and if any of us were safe and going to be ok, it was going to be him.  We were all terrified.  No matter what your political affiliation or persuasion, the tragic events on September 11th 2001, had some sort of impact.

9/11 will forever evoke memories of unimaginable tragedy, of lives lost and brutally cut short and of sorrow in the hearts and minds of all of us. BUT our strength as people united should help us remember the bravery, the courage, the humanity and the spirit shown that day. No matter our differences – we were one. One Love, there it is again.

Traditional “Metta” or “Loving-kindness” prayer

May we all be happy. May we all be healthy. May we all live with ease. May we all be free of enemies, within and without.

xxoo