Thoughts of 9/11

Today, there is not one American who does not know where he or she was that day, not one.  As we turned and watched from the streets or from our televisions or from radios that we watched as well, in horror, we witnessed silently the most horrendous, nightmare/daymare we have collectively ever had.  And we as americans have had collective memories before, some not many but enough for use to feel the love we ultimately have for each other, at least from time to time.

September 11 will always be etched in my mind as a day of wonder accompanied by much worry.  I wondered during the first few moments when tower two was hit, if we were going to be attacked in other cities across America since it was so obviously an attack.  I wondered if I would ever see my Mother and Father again, even though they were many many miles away from where I was.  I honestly thought it was possible more strategic attacks were about to strike.  All over the country, in any and maybe every city.  I could feel the panic accelerating, in my heart and the hearts of those around me in my office.  Work stopped everywhere, just as if a clock had stopped and all were glued to their television sets, watching the world come to an end.  At least the world as we knew it.  Our world of peace and safety. 

A year does not pass without tears being shed.  Tears of frustration and fear, of comfort and fear, tears of kindness and fear, and of shame and fear.   So much fear, so much fear and shame.  Some may wonder about the shame, but shame yes, that some were not able to save others that they loved or watched suffer and the shame of loss lives, oh so many lost lives.  I remember just wanting to know that my loved ones in New York were safe.  And who did not feel the same?  Who in all of the United States did not and does not know some one who lives in New York?  Our very own New York.  The place we brag about and think so much about, our very own and the greatest city on earth.

So this day, as we think about all that has brought us to where we are, let's remember the 11th of September with a warm and humble heart and still a heart filled with pride and devotion to our country and our own, dear sweet city that never sleeps, the city that keeps a watchful eye on us all.