This morning is one of immense reflection. Those of us who lived through 9/11 and the aftermath have all lived through a monumental aspect of human history. A friend suggested it was merely American history and I said “It affected everyone, no matter where one may live. You don’t have to be American to empathize.” Try clearing customs at an International airport anywhere in the world and tell me it’s not different now than it was before 9/11, because it is.
I was one of the lucky ones. At the end of the day, I was able to count my family members and friends safe. But I will never forget crossing back into the city, watching truck after truck on the other side of the highway bringing in debris and body parts to be sifted through at a landfill. It was disgusting, creepy, and appalling to see.
The smell in the air was sickening. You could still see smoke, you could still smell smoke, but there was more than that. I cried, I could feel spirits in the air. That might seem crazy to people who aren’t sensitive, but it was like being smacked over and over with torturous cries. The emotional pain was palpable. Getting closer, seeing the destruction of the skyline in person… There are no words.
One Word Trade Center, which was fully completed roughly a year ago, offends my mind. I understand my city wanting to come back and come back strong, but there are better ways to do it. Another skyscraper wasn’t the way to go. It’s like putting a target on the city itself.
But New York was not the only city affected. Washington D.C. took an immense hit, and people often forget about that. There is a memorial garden in the area I currently live in for the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. They held a candlelight ceremony last night, there was a memorial this morning beginning at 8:30 (which is going on as I type this), and Sunday there will be a 5K. I used to listen to the named each year, but I’ve since stopped doing that. Not because I could ever possibly forget, but because I can no longer listen on an emotional level.
I was asked to take a meeting today. Despite the fact that it will delay my life for about a week, I said no. I tried rescheduling and could not get through to anyone; I couldn’t even leave a message. In my mind, today is not the day for meetings, it is a day to show respect, to be introspective, and to remember. It’s a day to be grateful for life, and a day not to take anything, or anyone, for granted.
copyright © 2015 by Lisa Marino & Blackbird Serenity LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Written by LISA MARINO-Molchanova 
It doesn’t sound crazy to me, at all.
(((((hugs)))))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks hon! 🙂
LikeLike
Well said. It was a very profound day. It was one of those times that transcends nationalities (I’m Canadian), and it affected me deeply… I really had no words that day, just thoughts; thoughts that I have yet to fully articulate. Thank you.
LikeLike
I agree. Though a few people disagreed with me, saying that “things like this happen every day because the terrorists are from oppressed countries”. I cannot debate idiocy with people when they’re not looking at the bigger picture. Terrorism is not an answer to being oppressed. I think anyone sane will agree with me on that one.
I find 9/11 hard. It doesn’t matter how many years come and go, it’s still so difficult for me to process. I remember that day so vividly, as if it were yesterday, and most of my feelings haven’t changed. I find it so bizarre when people think it’s just an American thing, it certainly isn’t. It’s a human thing, with human emotions. We all grieve and process our thoughts in different ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed, it is a very human thing. Not once did I think of nationality or oppression or motivation. There was just an overwhelming sensation of grief and disbelief. We each do process it differently.
LikeLike
I suspect a lot of people started fights with others after the fact for various reasons, but I felt like it was a time to band together, not fight. In fact, I saw more kindness, hand-holding, politeness, and genuine fellowship in the days that followed than during any other time. Way too many people wanted to celebrate the downfall of a nation, and I will never not feel there is a sickness in that. I don’t look at people in quite that way, but I know many people do.
I’m certain many people are still trying to process it. It’s not an easy one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It colored my life to no small degree… definitely a major reassessment. It’s reflected in my writing, my way of thinking. I take each day as it comes. We live very quietly and simply, but that day does cast a large shadow.
LikeLike