It’s 9/11. 17 years after that tragic day. A day that is etched in history of being a pivotal point in so many ways for Americans and people beyond our borders. I thought this year, I would take a few moments to reflect on what was lost that day, all the innocent people who were caught in the crossfire of HATE, and all we gained. Perhaps a renewed sense of patriotism, or appreciation for loved ones, or intent to truly live each day with meaning. I thought I’d reflect on it…and go about my day. This year….however, 17 years later….I still find myself tearing up and shaking my head in disbelief that pure evil was this close to all of us collectively….and helplessly there was nothing any of us could do to stop it from coming.
I watched this video of a true hero who sacrificed his own life that day, and is credited for saving 12 others from his office in one of the towers. As I watched the story on him, I was struck I hadn’t heard his story before, and wondered how many others stories are out there just like his? How many people, in the face of evil and pain and looming death, put the value of their own life behind that of their fellow co-worker/friend/human? In the last hours of their life, did they consciously choose to step up and leave a profound legacy, or was it something that came to them from some sort of divine intervention?
On that day, a college roommate/friend of mine was one of the thousands who died in tower 2. Though I have no idea, nor do I want my mind to even envision what her last moments were like, I wonder how many of us are living our life as if we will have time…..time to prepare for our own deaths? Time to say goodbye to loved ones? Time to tie up loose ends? Time to really experience LIFE while we are on this planet? Because by all accounts, my friend and college roommate had every reason in the world to stay in this world. She was beautiful, young, newly married, and beloved by all who met her. And truly, she was. Yes, I know…. that is a trite pattern we all are inclined to fall into….remember the deceased in some sort of angelic-saintlike manner when in fact very few among us are actually meeting this criteria. But Kristi, truly was giving and compassionate and always a smile on her face that lit up the room wherever she went. And as she started out for work that day, I am certain she never thought it would be her last.
“Be ready as the Son of Man will return at an hour when we do not expect Him.” Matthew 22:44
No one of knows when we will breathe our last breath. Think about it, on some level we all accept that we do not know when our time on earth will be over, yet how many of us live our lives as if tomorrow is a guarantee? For a few moments after 9/11, it felt like to me, we all got that. People treated others differently. There was more kindness, compassion, forgiveness, peace….. as a Nation, we pulled together and our very best is what shined for most of us. It was as if it was this collective wake-up call. Show up for others! Be kind! Love! Act now! What happened? Where did that all go?
As I sit and write in the stillness of my house, I wonder….. what would my last wishes be if today was my last day? Would I live differently? Would I regret choices I didn’t make, or the ones I did more? Would I feel at peace with my life for the legacy I will leave behind, or is there still unfinished business for me to attend to in this life? How do we know when we’ve done, enough? How do we capture that feeling of unity in the time of tragedy to help us in our own journey around the sun?
On 9/11…..thousands of people’s lives were lost, and countless more were forever, undeniably changed. My prayer….intention….desire…wish…hope….is in their HONOR….we invite their spirit or memory or essence to touch us in a real way, and help us to live our life with purpose and meaning. Each moment…..as we do not know….when it is our last……
Reach out to a loved one who has wronged you, and forgive. Strive to live your life with meaning & purpose, and let go of the unfulfilling goal of fame & fortune. Show compassion and love for the most vulnerable in our world, and stand up for those who cannot do so for themselves. Commit to Sunday dinners. Or Friday. or random Thursday. Send the email or write the letter. LOVE YOURSELF and let go of self-hatred. (whoever you call “god” made you PERFECT the way you are!) Be brave. Invest in relationships more and material goods less. Seek beauty in everything- look for it!
If today was your last day…..how would you the world remember you? If you are reading this….you still have time to live a life worth remembering…….
“Be kind whenever it is possible. It is ALWAYS possible.” Dalai Lama.
Peace………
peaceinthejourney 