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
Rae, you awoke my brain to so many memories of that day. I remember Linda walking into my office to tell me about the first plane hitting. She and I thought it was a commuter plane that accidentally veered off course. I almost kept working and then curiosity got the better of me, which brought me into the clubhouse kitchen. I had no idea what I was going to witness in that room that day. I’m a big fan of reminiscing about my past, but this is a day I wish I didn’t have to remember so vividly…I just don’t have a choice. Your words always manage to put things into perspective and they have reminded me that even though I may not be happy with my job or with my waistline, I am truly blessed to have friends and a family that I adore. Rae - Thank you for being a part of that blessing.
I remember I was at home……just got up not all that long before……..Matt came over,we both watched as it was happening………the towers, the pentagon. all of it