September — Do You Remember? — 9/11 Reflection, Uplifting Message + Short Story

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September — Do You Remember?

Excuse me for a moment while I sing a little Earth, Wind & Fire in the background. Oh how I love September — the month, and the song!

This reflection is carryover from a post I made recently to Facebook and Instagram about September 11. Several thoughts have been hovering about, and that’s generally my cue to write — to share my feelings about feelings, and how feeling certain feelings makes one feel.

Therefore, without further ado…

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Remembering 9/11

Since the unthinkable attacks upon our great nation on September 11, 2001, each year, 9/11 is known for a day of remembrance, prayer and somber appreciation for the fallen and brave heroes of that tragic day. Anyone old enough to reflect back knows exactly where they were when hearing the news, or watching such horrifying devastation unfold before their very eyes; the entire country glued to news reporting, emotionally frozen in disbelief.

Like every other loving, caring human on the planet, I feel immense heartache for the families who lost loved ones that horrific day. 19 years have passed, surviving children are now adults, countless first responders suffer with illness due to ground zero exposure — heroic sacrifices long past their dedication and selfless service.

Each and every innocent soul senselessly taken, and the incredibly courageous heroes who gave their lives saving/trying to save others… most assuredly…

Will. Never. Be. Forgotten… Ever!

Names on the 9/11 Memorial

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 “On this day… 19 years (September 10th) ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.”

—Unkown

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New Days. New Hope. New Reasons for Joy.

While September 11 has become synonymous with an atrocious terror attack, sadness and mourning, it remains a day for living; precious babies are born, joyous occasions and true blessings worthy of celebration still happen. I imagine many have struggled with feelings of guilt over wanting to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries that fall on the 11th day of the ninth month. Understandable and respectful. But lovelies, it’s ok. We humans are allowed to make merriment, while also giving pause to think of and pray for those no longer with us. Celebrate your precious little ones (and bigs) who have birthdays on September 11. Toast one another should your anniversary fall on 9/11. Sing and dance and celebrate life. And for goodness’ sake, “let them eat cake”!

While we grant ourselves the grace to be human on 9/11 — to feel joy, sing, dance, live life… and eat cake — I have a tiny story to share.

27 years ago on September 11, I met a guy. He opened a door for me, I said “thank you” and that was that. I noticed this guy was quite easy on the eyes, but I was with my boss. No time for flirty gestures! So basically, in a metropolis with a population (at the time) of over 1.3 million, this was your average happenstance meeting (thanks for getting the door. blink. earth continues to rotate on its axis).

Later in the evening on this 11th day of September (1993), I met a guy… the very same — door opening, easy on the eyes — guy. In this same metropolis of over 1.3 million people. In a different part of the city. At a bar. (“of all the gin joints in all the towns…”)

This guy, turns out, was no ordinary guy. And let me tell you, once our eyes actually locked… WOWZA! There were s-o-m-e kind of sparks. Maybe even a KA-POW! … and a BAMB! (with sound effects!)

There’s more to this story — my happenstance meeting with this spark-inducing guy, who I happened to meet twice. On the same day. In a different part of the city. I’ll save the full story for another day. (maybe?!)

Most important takeaway from this little share, my life changed that September 11th. In positive ways I never could have imagined. And after 9/11, celebrating the anniversary of the day I met a guy — who ended up stealing my heart — just seemed wrong, and selfish. Uncertain why this year seems different. Perhaps with all the madness throughout the country (pandemic, fear and chaos, civil unrest, riots and violence, devastating wildfires, and politics — ugh!), it felt like an appropriate time to take a breath, and to allow joy to override some of the gloom and messiness.

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As we remember those taken away by cowardly, evil acts, our nation continues to work through extremely troubling times. May we lift one another up in kindness and goodwill, and permit ourselves the grace to celebrate all precious gifts and blessings within this life — on this day, on September 11th, and each new day to come.

Until my next Reflection…

Be well, lovelies. Stay safe… and hopeful… now more than ever.

Blessings, love and light— always.
—Terry xx

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Photos: Canva