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Story Ideas – Where Were You 9/11? A Special Tribute
By Deb Gallardo
To the families, friends, neighbors and colleagues of all who lost their lives 9/11/01, may you continue to heal from your wounds, recover from your loss, and forget the horror.
I can remember clearly where I was when I learned JFK was shot in 1963. It was 7th grade study hall in the cafeteria. My town was pretty die-hard Republican, but everyone was affected by the brutal attack and the impact on our nation.
I remember where I was when I learned Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been shot. I had just left my freshman dorm and was crossing the street toward the College Chapel. The main chapel and small prayer chapel soon filled with crying, praying students.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t remember where I was when I learned Bobby Kennedy was shot. I do, however, remember the song, “Abraham, Martin and John.” Has anybody here, seen my old friend Bobby? Can you tell me where he’s gone? I thought I saw him walkin’ right over the hill with Abraham, Martin and John…
As for learning about 9/11, I was home alone, wearing a heart monitor for 24 hours when my ex-husband called saying, “I just wanted you to know that I’m okay.” When I asked what he meant, he said, “Oh, so you haven’t heard? The Pentagon has been hit.” I turned on the news and saw the Twin Towers had also been hit, so I was watching live when the first tower fell. It seemed to shimmer, sag, hang there for a moment, and then as if in slow motion, it collapsed. I remember the newscaster’s disbelief and horror mirrored my own.
“It can’t be real. This can’t be happening. I just watched thousands of people plummet to their deaths, ending up amidst the toxic rubble.”
I remember the anger, the outrage, the helplessness, the loathing I felt for religious fanatics who would do such a thing in the name of God, the resulting sense of nationalism, the unity against a common enemy. I remember the pride and anguish over the passengers who overcame the hijackers and saved the Statue of Liberty, while losing their own lives. I remember the stories of cell phone calls to loved ones, of messages left. I remember stories of how shattered New Yorkers were, and how incredibly open they were to the Gospel as they tried to make sense of what had happened.
I remember the pain. I don’t want to forget it. I don’t mean we shouldn’t heal. But if we become numb to the pain, if we don’t remember and reflect and analyze like this, then what happened 9/11/01 was in vain, and I don’t think anyone wants that. It happened. Let us learn from it. Let us grow from it. Let us heal from it.
But Let Us NEVER FORGET!
(The story ideas potential is unlimited.)
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2 Comments »
September 11th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Great Post! Thanks for writing about 9/11!
September 11th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
James,
Thanks for reading and then commenting. It means a lot to me. Stop by any time. You’re always welcome.
Deb