HOW DO WE RESPOND? FIFTEEN YEARS LATER.

[Today, September 11, 2016, marks the fifteenth anniversary of the terrorist act on the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in a field in Pennsylvania which took the lives of over 3,000 innocent people.  Fifteen years ago, I wrote the following "Friday Story" in an effort to express the many elements of sorrow, fear, and hope that earmarked that tragic day. Today, we still have many of those elements still with us, and most likely they will always be our companions. However, it is hope that we hold onto most dearly in our efforts to comfort the wounded and bring peace to those who continue to suffer fifteen years later.]

How do you Respond?
... to a tear not wiped away, a bedtime story unread, a boo-boo unkissed;
... to an answering machine message from a cell phone when you can't return the call;
... to a loyal dog waiting for his master to return home, looking out the window wondering why he is so late.

How do you Respond?
... to a child trembling and afraid to go to sleep;
... to a numbness felt as you listen to the radio and hope the announcer will say it's all a play;
... to fallen family members and friends, who lost their lives at the World Trade Towers, at the Pentagon, or in a field in Pennsylvania.

You RESPOND...
... by cherishing a bedtime story and holding your child tight in your arms;
... by donating blood, serving your community, and helping the less fortunate in whatever way you can;
... by shaking the hand of a firefighter tightly, telling a police officer "thank you," calling your distant friend just to say "hello."

You RESPOND...
... by going to a church, temple, or mosque for a moment of silence with strangers, and realizing the words of peace and hope are speaking to all of us;
... by understanding that today you have been given a gift a life; a precious gift that is fleeting and fragile - make the most of it;
... by standing strong and asking God to make us a beacon for others to find their way in times of darkness and fear.

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It has been fifteen years since the tragic events of September 11th changed the way we define our "routine," or even to a certain point, our freedoms. However, the events have only reinforced our resolve, and our deepening appreciation for those that have perished, and those that will lay down their lives, for what (admittedly) we have previously taken for granted.

Lest we ever forget the pain, the shock, the disbelief of September 11, 2001; Lest we ever forget the outpouring of love and charity to make things right; to make things better; Lest we ever forget the courage, steadfast faith of many throughout the globe.

Beyond the dark shadows and fears of September 11th, there is a greater hope and love that overcomes all. It starts with your resolve. A resolve to win the dual fight for for justice and forgiveness.  A resolve to dissipate hatred and fear with love's gentle touch. And a resolve not to take anyone or anything for granted.

For today, we move forward; we respond.

Until Next Friday,