Tuesday, September 11, 2007

In Remembrance


I had to remove another post today when I realized it was far too inappropriate for September 11th. Because I believe we should honor the memories of those who died that day and reflect back on this, the 6th anniversary of 9/11.

When I think back to 9/11 I remember exactly what I was doing when I found out; just as I’m sure all of you do. What I remember most, however, is that palpable fear that spread through my body with each report of another assault on our country. I too couldn’t be pried from the coverage as I wondered how I could protect my then newborn son from terrorism. I imagined running from those crumbling buildings with him in my arms. I imagined fleeing the Pentagon, frantically pushing him in a stroller. I imagined sitting on a plane, trying to sooth him with a trembling whisper. In a weakened moment I felt helpless and lost.

That is, until the news coverage began to unearth the true nature of our country. We heard about the firefighters and EMT who ran towards those same buildings people were fleeing from. We saw countless volunteers trying to find survivors in the rubble. And we listened to people relay the courage and heroism displayed by passengers on a plane that was intended to kill even more Americans. Although many of those individuals lost their lives, I was buoyed up by their strength and that portrait of patriotism. And I felt again the power of being a part of this great nation. The fear didn’t disappear but it did subside and was eventually replaced by admiration and awe.

And now as I reflect back I wish there was more I could do than remember. But that much I can do.

(That and take down my inappropriate post, which will appear bright and early Wednesday morning...)

9 comments:

Karen said...

I don't know if your post would have been inappropriate today. After all, one of the great things about people, and fellow Americans is that life DOES go on. And non-9/11-related posts prove that to me.

It doesn't mean we forgot. Just that it's not consuming us. We can still see that everyday, ordinary life is....well.....the norm.

shauna said...

I'm glad you say that, Karen, because I was embarrassed that you had read my toilet-paper post before I removed it...

Suburban Correspondent said...

I'm with Shauna on this one - it felt just a little too petty to be grousing about the weather or the kids on a day like this. It's important to stop and honor the people who have suffered and/or continue to suffer because of what happened 6 years ago. 6 years! It feels like yesterday. I for one take time to thank God that my husband wasn't at his watch station in the Pentagon that day. And my husband takes time to remember the 6 people he knew who died there. And we also like to remember the amazing things people did to help each other - it's very uplifting.

Tomorrow, I'll start grousing again, I'm sure. But it's good to take a break, and remember.

shauna said...

suburbancorrespondent, I'm sorry to hear that your husband must mourn the death of 6 people he worked with. But I'm also glad that you're not mourning the anniversary of a very personal loss on this day.

Annie said...

Great post!

As hard as I find it to remember those images and the fear I felt - I will always be grateful that it's not a much deeper pain I feel, as so many others do after 9-11-01.

Karen said...

Shauna,
Yeah, I just came back and saw the toilet paper post and it hit me that was the post that was missing.....
and I'm pretty sure I commented on it before it disappeared. I had forgotten that it was HERE that I saw it! Ah, it's heck getting old.

shauna said...

Sorry, Karen. I thought I was saving my draft but apparently I deleted it altogether, and your comment along with it! My apologies. I felt like an idiot after I realized that I really did delete the whole thing. Shucks!

Anonymous said...

This is a great post Shauna. I too remember exactly what I was doing the moment the towers were hit. You describe the fears perfectly. It helps so much to know that despite all the sadness, is the fact that there is so much more goodness in the world. We all found each other and in this huge world, that is pretty amazing cause I think this blogging connection of people is something very special.
P.S. I am also glad you went ahead with the toilet paper post. Everyday life is good stuff, even on 9/11. XOXO

Becky said...

Great post Shauna....

What a tragic loss for America that day. We will never forget.

Yes, I do too...remember exactly where I was that day. I was glued to the TV and couldn't break away.