story4501.xml
Title
story4501.xml
Source
born-digital
Media Type
story
Date Entered
2002-09-11
911DA Story: Story
Hello friend,
Today is September 11, 2002. It is the Memorial of one of the most hideous, violent tragedies known to people of this Country and most others. Something that gentle people cannot comprehend.
As Americans, we are ill prepared for such horrors. September 11, 2001 will remain an ever present reminder of the loss of innocence of this USA we call home. Having grown up in the late 1940?s and 1950?s, I feel such a sadness for children of today. How sad to never really know the freedom of innocence, the simple joy of running through an unlocked door after playing hide & seek in the dark. Feeling safe riding a bike around the block, etc. Certainly life was not without its? share of sadness and problems, but there was an innocence; a simplicity that seem to insure laughter.
As I watch the ceremonies on television, I sit with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart. I feel the pain for the survivors of those lost on that dreadful day. I feel the sadness for all who were touched by 9/11, not just the 300 or so who have become so well known to us. As Americans, our very souls have suffered an injury by the viciousness of these so called human beings. We can become a kinder yet stronger people if we so choose. Life is precious.
I believe that there is only one God. My god is loving and good. What any of us chooses to call Him, is of no consequence. He is the Alpha & the Omega; the beginning and the end. Yes, I am a Christian. You may believe what you choose to believe. I will respect your beliefs. Please respect mine.
Now, all of that being said, I must also say that I am not a ?born again? American. I was born with patriotism in my heart. As a child I was taught to respect this beautiful country and her people. I was also taught to feel immense gratitude for the brave men and women who shed their blood, gave of their lives and/or fought for the freedoms that we all hold so very dear. Yes, I lost many friends to Viet Nam. I volunteered with the Red Cross at the Veteran?s Hospital in Long Beach. I felt anger, so I volunteered for OBL. Operation Baby Lift was a heart rendering experience that any who participated in will never forget. I certainly will not forget. Yes, I am a proud American. Anger can build very quickly in me when in the presence of one who does not believe in raising our flag or defending this great country. Yet, large numbers of those same people will take all of the many gifts this country has to give. In America, that is their freedom.
America is a very young and sensitive country. She holds herself, as the wings of the eagle, over all those who need her protection. We support many other countries with military and humanitarian aid. We have always embraced the diverse views and cultures of those who choose to make America their home. Even when those same people try to make their homes and neighborhoods like those that they have left behind, America allows that freedom.
Terrorism is a massive and ugly cancer. A malignancy that cannot be excised as easily as clipping one?s fingernails or removing a splinter. As I have acknowledged previously, 9/11 was a tragedy equal to none. However, what about the everyday terrorism that we must endure. What about the children and families who die because of a half wit gang member in a drive-by shooting? What about the hunger and homelessness that kills innocent people of all ages in this country? What about the children and families destroyed in some way by drug and alcohol addiction? What about the domestic violence that is raging in so many households? What about children who experience physical or emotional terror at the hands of a parent, teacher, police officer, priest, preacher, rabbi, friend or other person that believes that children are sex objects? Are not these also acts of terrorism? What about devastating disease that attacks a person and affects so many families. Mine included. The real sadness is the apathy of some people to these various acts. People don?t want to get involved, so some small child dies, an animal neglected or an elder abused again.. They will tell themselves that it is very sad, and move on with their busy lives. Do you ever wonder how some people can afford food, medicine, necessities or even funerals? The child who starts school without enough clothes or shoes (new or otherwise) must feel great sadness. Can we help? Yes, I think so.
Each of us has lost loved ones. In my case, not only my very much loved parents, grand parents and numerous other family members, but also a vast number of friends. They were not famous or in the Who?s Who of America, but they were so very dear to me. How do we separate the pain of loss? Can we feel less pain because a flying bomb didn?t cause the death of our loved one? The loss of my mother has left a hole in my heart that will never heal. No buildings fell, but my world sure did change. She was brave, lovely and kind. Her personal form of terrorism was lung disease. Her greatest legacy, love. I have brothers and sisters with families that I love very much. I have been so very blessed with a wonderful husband, 2 beautiful daughters and 4 incredible grandchildren. These are people that I would choose as friends, I so respect and admire them. Each of us has close friends, some who touch our hearts in ways we cannot express. How do we express our love?
Antiques are something I treasure. To me, life is much like a very old and beautiful china cup. With each time of pain and trouble, a small crack appears. Over many, many years there is a patina that comes only with age. These tiny little stress fractures only make it more treasured. Certainly, the cup can break, but with care it will survive to be a treasure for yet another generation.
Hatred is hatred. Anger is anger Kindness is kindness and love is love. As Americans, many of us can be very short sighted. We see all of the sadness in this world and think that there is nothing that we can do about it. That is just not true. Every time that we stop to smile at a sad or lonely person, when we share our food, money or possessions with the less fortunate, and most importantly, when we share our time and hearts, we are helping. Have you ever visited a nursing home and read to someone who was not able to read any longer? Have you gone to a hospital and just sat by the bed and held the hand of one who was so very alone? Have you spent time with the child down the street who has only one parent and feels so sad? Small acts of kindness help more than you know. Many will do this within their own church groups, but what about the stranger? You know where the homeless live. Have you ever left a box of freshly prepared food or clothing? Have you taken the time to correspond with a person in the military? They are away from home and family trying to help insure the gift of freedom. They love letters and goodies from "home". Yes, home of the free and the brave?.
Think about how we grab a flashlight to show the way in the darkness. We are so grateful for the small beam of light that it emits. What if each of us had a flashlight and met in the dark meadow? How much light would we emit? My family & I participated in Hands Across America. It would be impossible to express the thrill of knowing that there were hands being held across the entire USA; from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans at the same moment. Child and adult, many races and religions and all of us were friends in that moment.
As Americans, we must remember to give something back. Just after the infamous day of September 11, 2001, people were just a little kinder, a little more polite and tolerant. People sat glued to their televisions to see what was happening. Within a very short period of time violence escalated, more children suffered abuse, more people died through other acts of terrorism. Many seem to forget what we still face. America will never be the same, but that can be positive if we choose to make it so. We just need to do our part.
Today, as we take pause to remember, know that I will be saying the Pledge Of Allegiance with the words one nation UNDER God. I will be proudly waving my flag. More than anything, I will be praying for family and friends and the survivors of 9/11. However, I must also pray for the many TERRORISTS of any/all varieties. It is so easy to pray for those we love. When I pray for ALL, the prayers are not just for them, but for me. Hatred breeds hatred. When I stop praying for those hateful, angry ones that are simply evil, I will have become just like them. Every prayer is a small beam of light up to God. We can light the meadow. We can light the world!
Now, let each of us never forget that we can make a huge difference. Let us take the time, not just today, but each day, to see what seed of kindness we can sow. Ask God to spread His love as a blanket on a cold night over ALL. Let us remember that freedom is a privilege, not a right of passage. Hatred and bigotry are a choice. Yes, we need to increase security to protect America and her people. We should have done it much sooner, but isn?t hindsight always 20/20? Those who do not agree with what must be done, should probably leave this great country, because no amount of talk or action will make them understand. Those who feel inconvenienced by the wait at the airports, bus terminals and train stations, perhaps they should walk. They may stop to smell the roses along the way. Just maybe they will realize the true joy is in the journey and not the destination.
We are Americans. Our hope cannot be crushed. The terrorists of this variety did not win. Together, we can each help to defeat all forms of terrorism. We are strong and determined. We are hurt, but we will never be broken. Let us not forget?.
There is nothing greater than the human spirit. May your heart be full with peace today and every day to come. May God bless America. May God bring healing to the survivors of 9/11 and all tragedies, and may God continue to bless you.
Please know that someone loves you very much?.
Bev.
Today is September 11, 2002. It is the Memorial of one of the most hideous, violent tragedies known to people of this Country and most others. Something that gentle people cannot comprehend.
As Americans, we are ill prepared for such horrors. September 11, 2001 will remain an ever present reminder of the loss of innocence of this USA we call home. Having grown up in the late 1940?s and 1950?s, I feel such a sadness for children of today. How sad to never really know the freedom of innocence, the simple joy of running through an unlocked door after playing hide & seek in the dark. Feeling safe riding a bike around the block, etc. Certainly life was not without its? share of sadness and problems, but there was an innocence; a simplicity that seem to insure laughter.
As I watch the ceremonies on television, I sit with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart. I feel the pain for the survivors of those lost on that dreadful day. I feel the sadness for all who were touched by 9/11, not just the 300 or so who have become so well known to us. As Americans, our very souls have suffered an injury by the viciousness of these so called human beings. We can become a kinder yet stronger people if we so choose. Life is precious.
I believe that there is only one God. My god is loving and good. What any of us chooses to call Him, is of no consequence. He is the Alpha & the Omega; the beginning and the end. Yes, I am a Christian. You may believe what you choose to believe. I will respect your beliefs. Please respect mine.
Now, all of that being said, I must also say that I am not a ?born again? American. I was born with patriotism in my heart. As a child I was taught to respect this beautiful country and her people. I was also taught to feel immense gratitude for the brave men and women who shed their blood, gave of their lives and/or fought for the freedoms that we all hold so very dear. Yes, I lost many friends to Viet Nam. I volunteered with the Red Cross at the Veteran?s Hospital in Long Beach. I felt anger, so I volunteered for OBL. Operation Baby Lift was a heart rendering experience that any who participated in will never forget. I certainly will not forget. Yes, I am a proud American. Anger can build very quickly in me when in the presence of one who does not believe in raising our flag or defending this great country. Yet, large numbers of those same people will take all of the many gifts this country has to give. In America, that is their freedom.
America is a very young and sensitive country. She holds herself, as the wings of the eagle, over all those who need her protection. We support many other countries with military and humanitarian aid. We have always embraced the diverse views and cultures of those who choose to make America their home. Even when those same people try to make their homes and neighborhoods like those that they have left behind, America allows that freedom.
Terrorism is a massive and ugly cancer. A malignancy that cannot be excised as easily as clipping one?s fingernails or removing a splinter. As I have acknowledged previously, 9/11 was a tragedy equal to none. However, what about the everyday terrorism that we must endure. What about the children and families who die because of a half wit gang member in a drive-by shooting? What about the hunger and homelessness that kills innocent people of all ages in this country? What about the children and families destroyed in some way by drug and alcohol addiction? What about the domestic violence that is raging in so many households? What about children who experience physical or emotional terror at the hands of a parent, teacher, police officer, priest, preacher, rabbi, friend or other person that believes that children are sex objects? Are not these also acts of terrorism? What about devastating disease that attacks a person and affects so many families. Mine included. The real sadness is the apathy of some people to these various acts. People don?t want to get involved, so some small child dies, an animal neglected or an elder abused again.. They will tell themselves that it is very sad, and move on with their busy lives. Do you ever wonder how some people can afford food, medicine, necessities or even funerals? The child who starts school without enough clothes or shoes (new or otherwise) must feel great sadness. Can we help? Yes, I think so.
Each of us has lost loved ones. In my case, not only my very much loved parents, grand parents and numerous other family members, but also a vast number of friends. They were not famous or in the Who?s Who of America, but they were so very dear to me. How do we separate the pain of loss? Can we feel less pain because a flying bomb didn?t cause the death of our loved one? The loss of my mother has left a hole in my heart that will never heal. No buildings fell, but my world sure did change. She was brave, lovely and kind. Her personal form of terrorism was lung disease. Her greatest legacy, love. I have brothers and sisters with families that I love very much. I have been so very blessed with a wonderful husband, 2 beautiful daughters and 4 incredible grandchildren. These are people that I would choose as friends, I so respect and admire them. Each of us has close friends, some who touch our hearts in ways we cannot express. How do we express our love?
Antiques are something I treasure. To me, life is much like a very old and beautiful china cup. With each time of pain and trouble, a small crack appears. Over many, many years there is a patina that comes only with age. These tiny little stress fractures only make it more treasured. Certainly, the cup can break, but with care it will survive to be a treasure for yet another generation.
Hatred is hatred. Anger is anger Kindness is kindness and love is love. As Americans, many of us can be very short sighted. We see all of the sadness in this world and think that there is nothing that we can do about it. That is just not true. Every time that we stop to smile at a sad or lonely person, when we share our food, money or possessions with the less fortunate, and most importantly, when we share our time and hearts, we are helping. Have you ever visited a nursing home and read to someone who was not able to read any longer? Have you gone to a hospital and just sat by the bed and held the hand of one who was so very alone? Have you spent time with the child down the street who has only one parent and feels so sad? Small acts of kindness help more than you know. Many will do this within their own church groups, but what about the stranger? You know where the homeless live. Have you ever left a box of freshly prepared food or clothing? Have you taken the time to correspond with a person in the military? They are away from home and family trying to help insure the gift of freedom. They love letters and goodies from "home". Yes, home of the free and the brave?.
Think about how we grab a flashlight to show the way in the darkness. We are so grateful for the small beam of light that it emits. What if each of us had a flashlight and met in the dark meadow? How much light would we emit? My family & I participated in Hands Across America. It would be impossible to express the thrill of knowing that there were hands being held across the entire USA; from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans at the same moment. Child and adult, many races and religions and all of us were friends in that moment.
As Americans, we must remember to give something back. Just after the infamous day of September 11, 2001, people were just a little kinder, a little more polite and tolerant. People sat glued to their televisions to see what was happening. Within a very short period of time violence escalated, more children suffered abuse, more people died through other acts of terrorism. Many seem to forget what we still face. America will never be the same, but that can be positive if we choose to make it so. We just need to do our part.
Today, as we take pause to remember, know that I will be saying the Pledge Of Allegiance with the words one nation UNDER God. I will be proudly waving my flag. More than anything, I will be praying for family and friends and the survivors of 9/11. However, I must also pray for the many TERRORISTS of any/all varieties. It is so easy to pray for those we love. When I pray for ALL, the prayers are not just for them, but for me. Hatred breeds hatred. When I stop praying for those hateful, angry ones that are simply evil, I will have become just like them. Every prayer is a small beam of light up to God. We can light the meadow. We can light the world!
Now, let each of us never forget that we can make a huge difference. Let us take the time, not just today, but each day, to see what seed of kindness we can sow. Ask God to spread His love as a blanket on a cold night over ALL. Let us remember that freedom is a privilege, not a right of passage. Hatred and bigotry are a choice. Yes, we need to increase security to protect America and her people. We should have done it much sooner, but isn?t hindsight always 20/20? Those who do not agree with what must be done, should probably leave this great country, because no amount of talk or action will make them understand. Those who feel inconvenienced by the wait at the airports, bus terminals and train stations, perhaps they should walk. They may stop to smell the roses along the way. Just maybe they will realize the true joy is in the journey and not the destination.
We are Americans. Our hope cannot be crushed. The terrorists of this variety did not win. Together, we can each help to defeat all forms of terrorism. We are strong and determined. We are hurt, but we will never be broken. Let us not forget?.
There is nothing greater than the human spirit. May your heart be full with peace today and every day to come. May God bless America. May God bring healing to the survivors of 9/11 and all tragedies, and may God continue to bless you.
Please know that someone loves you very much?.
Bev.
Collection
Citation
“story4501.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed April 10, 2025, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/11775.