nmah1491.xml

nmah1491.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-08

Like many others, I was fortunate to have witnessed the falling of the twin towers only through the diminished screen of my television. However, the event was so haphazard that in the end, I wasn't sure it had even occurred at all. I watched the slow, yet deadly crumbling of the nation's most significant buildings as it happened in the well loved New York city. The first thing that came to my mind was, "Is this really happening?", then after being reassured by the constant monotone statements from the newsman, I realized what a huge impact this would have on the people of America. More importantly, what a huge impact it would have on the children of America; I could not picture, much less feel what sort of shock and empty emotions would fill a child as they woke up to be told, your mother has died, or you're dad isn't coming back. Maybe the child wouldn't even understand what it meant, after all, how could somenone just disappear? As I think back to those few seconds of realization, I feel a strange reaction in my body, I almost seem afraid to remember how profound the making of history felt, but the scary part is, I was just watching a million dots coming through electric charges unto my tv screen, what about those who were actually there, and survived? Who will guide them?

My life has changed because of Semptember 11th in the sense that I now appretiate life more than I did before, and I am also more thankful to have what I have and to still be. Furthermore, I've become afraid of an old postcard someone had sent us three years ago of the twin towers. I am afraid of the knowledge that nothing more exists in that vast area of land, that I am stil here, and they are not. That postcard haunts me, it seems to mock the essence of life as if to say, "Look what you've become, or rather, haven't"

Everything. There is nothing that should be forgotten, but instead, much that should be appreciated. It is true that many people were lost and nothing can justify this loss. However, I think it is important to remember that one cannot blame or put down a whole crowd for the actions of a few. I saw a bumper sticker the other day, and am sure that there exist many more with the same message, that expressed the ridiculous activity against a certain nationality. I cannot say I am for nor against what the bumper sticker encouraged, for I am simply a witness, but instead of shunnning those who were born a certain nationality, we should respect and comfort any in need. There is no black and white, no good team and bad team, but it goes both ways; there are heroes on either sides. I know there are many who have specially supported the idea of unity and respect since September 11th, but if you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk too. And this doesn't mean reject those who you hate and make friends with those you like, it means be a good citizen and help all of those in need of a helping hand.