Simplicity Rose
For reasons unclear to me, I’ve avoided more than a superficial look at the 9/11 Memorial. It seems we went from tragedy to fear to bickering about the sites, and then the politics came in to play. At some point, I shut it down.
I didn’t lose a loved one that day, but like millions of others I experienced the collective grief and loss as well as a paradigm shift into a different sense of the world.
As I explored the online guide to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, of particular interest to me were the unique arrangements of the names on the plaques, based on input from family and friends. They weren’t linear or alphabetical, but meaningfully grouped as friends or coworkers. The site helped me explore lingering grief within myself, an unexplored loss from that terrible day.
It’s hard not to be moved by the gaping holes where life once bustled, serene fountains eerily reflecting the sky and the engraved names, each one a loss so profound for their loved ones; for us all.
If you’ve been avoiding it, like me, I encourage you to take a look.
If you suffered a personal loss that day, my heart goes out to you as you travel that long and painful journey of sorrow and grief.
The Memorial Mission
Remember and honor the thousands of innocent men, women, and children murdered by terrorists in the horrific attacks of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001.
Respect this place made sacred through tragic loss.
Recognize the endurance of those who survived, the courage of those who risked their lives to save others, and the compassion of all who supported us in our darkest hours.
May the lives remembered, the deeds recognized, and the spirit reawakened be eternal beacons, which reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to preserve freedom, and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance and intolerance.
National September 11 Memorial official site.
Gardening Nirvana 
It’s still hard for me to look back. But last night I watched “The Passionate Eye” program “Phone Calls From The Tower”. There were a lot of tears. It was difficult to hear their calls and listen to the families stories, but I also heard some hope coming through. Your message is heartwarming Alys, lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you for reading, Boomdee. You are braver than I am. I remember some of those calls in the first few days of 9/11. That, and the people jumping do their death remain etched in my brain. Such a tragedy. I’m glad you were able to listen and find hope. Without hope, we have nothing. XX00
LikeLike
Just checked out the 9-11 time line on their website. It makes me sad all over again!
LikeLike
It feels very much like a memorial service as you wend your way through the links. I stay away from the graphic images. They are my complete undoing.
LikeLike
I am a Muslim and I can feel the sorrow, grief and even the anger of those who lost their loved ones, relatives and friends in that 9/11 tragedy. In fact, think it should be the whole of humankind grieving over this tragic loss of lives and properties as terrorism is every civilized people’s enemy. If there is anyone putting Islam in bad light it is these pseudo-Muslims (and never the good Muslims) who were so engrossed in their barbaric and satanic belief that killing the ‘infedils’ is the way to heaven. Of course that is totally un-Islamic.
When can we appreciate the fact that every individual on earth is God’s creation and each one was endowed with innate good within himself? And that the bad in them was influenced and nurtured by their fellow human beings such as the criminals, terrorists and the wicked ones or those whose hearts and minds were dominated by the evil forces of Satan?
Together let us condemn terrorism and all evil acts including man’s greed as expressed in adventurist expansionism, illegal occupation and mass murders. Together let’s act and pray for a more peaceful world inhabited by rational and loving human beings. Together let us transform ourselves into genuine loving individuals who see the other person as important, respectable and dignified as himself.
LikeLike
Beautifully said, maxim-sense. The haters of the world make it bad for the rest of us. Terrorism is a form of extreme hatred, hiding behind the veil of religion. We see it in this country, too with the extreme right, using Christian fundamentalism as an excuse to hate everyone else. It makes me sad. I hope we hear far more voices like yours.
Thanks so much for reading and posting such a thoughtful reply.
LikeLike
Yes maxim-sense. I hope we hear from more voices like yours. I was inspired and hopeful after watching a NOVA program late last night about the rebuilding of ground zero. It is becoming the total opposite of the horror that it was on 9/11. The thought that went into this new construction blows me away. I think it should do a lot to heal the hurting hearts.
LikeLike
That is really good to hear, Marcella.
LikeLike
As soon as I get a chance, I’m going to write a post to share what I learned. It will give people a sense of relief.
LikeLike
That’s fabulous. Thank you. I look forward to reading it.
LikeLike