Who could ever forget that sunny, cloudless day when the world was young? Waving good-bye to my son as his school bus pulled away, how could I have known my Utopia would disappear in the next few minutes? How could I have known my beloved city would be under attack, and a nation would be changed forever?
After 9/11, I counted my blessings. My brother was safe while working in midtown. One friend woke up late, never arriving at his job on the top floor of Tower One. Another friend ignored pleas from colleagues to avoid using the stairs in Tower One, saving his own life while others perished.
Since that fateful day, we've learned thousands of similar stories. Countless tales of horror, destruction and bravery in the face of death. Lives shattered forever, families destroyed by heartache and a nation mourning a great tragedy. We will always carry each story in our hearts.
One friend lost her dear cousin on the plane that went down over Shanksville. She was pregnant, and had not yet revealed her joyful news to her family. The tragedy of that need not be explained.
I dream of a Utopia, where our children will be kept safe and free from hatred, bigotry and terrorism. My Utopia will have to live inside of my heart for now.
Our country is no longer young after the events of 9/11. We, as a nation, are strong and resilient. We shall remain determined to keep our country whole and safe for our children and for our children’s children.
On this 9/11, I honor those we lost, and their families, and I say a prayer of peace for us all.
“Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Neither shall they learn war anymore.” ~Isiah, 2:4
And let us all say Amen.
Amen. And thank you for expressing this so eloquently.
Amen, Cathy. No more need be said.
Amen.
Beautiful post, Cathy.
Thank you, Cathy, for your thoughtful words. A few years ago, I met a young woman from Long Island -- we were both attending a seminar -- and I remember her youthful energy as we high school teachers discussed English literature.
What I didn't know about her until later was that she became a widow on September 11. She had been married just two weeks. Life has so many wonderful moments, but can be tough as nails as well. I agree with you. We are a strong nation, and we will always move forward.
This young woman's story resonated with me and always will. We often have no clue what others have gone through in this life.
Amen. That day remains as clear in my mind as the weather was. Watching some of the memorial this morning hit me so hard; so many young lives who will never grow old, so many children, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, siblings taken away from people they loved.
Amen, Cathy. Sweet post.
Cathy, this had me in tears it was so beautiful. I can't imagine what it was like to live so close to all of this. Thousands of miles away in Louisiana, I felt like it had happened in my own back yard. That's because we really are all connected, don't you think? I'm glad your family and friends were safe. Ever since, I look at things differently. I think we lost something important on this day...or at least misplaced it. And that is the sense of security we once had...the feeling and mistaken belief that "those things happen somewhere else in the world." And what we gained is the knowledge that ordinary days (like that beautiful ordinary blue-skied day on Sept. 11, 2001) should never be taken from granted. Hugs to you. I'm feeling emotional.
Remembering that day and, yes, Cathy, Amen.
Amen. That really does say it all.
This is a lovely testimonial to a terrible day. Thank you Cathy.