Remembering 9/11/01

Of course with any major event that is experienced in our lives, we look back and think about what we were doing when it took place. With Sunday’s remembrances for 9/11, I looked at what I was doing and where my life was when I heard for the first time of the plane crashing into Tower One of the World Trade Center. The names read, the six moments of silence, touching music, and the eloquent words spoken by leaders both present and past touched my heart deeply.
Just ten years ago, I watched with others to see our lives changing irrevocably and forever. Our contentment and nonchalance that violence was not going to touch America and the fear of terrorism, war, or that the threat of fanatics taking away our security on home turf was no longer a distant thought. The Towers being attacked, the Pentagon in flames, the heroes going down in Pennsylvania, the last Tower falling, and the death toll climbing brought us together in solidarity, pain, and patriotism.
We have learned a lot in the last ten years. The tributes both nationally and locally on Sunday have once again allowed me to remember what has been lost, endured, and treasured in my life. Listening to how survivors or the loved ones of the almost 3000 people, who perished that day, have coped and subsequently moved on in their lives was so moving. The children and grandchildren born after the tragedy give me hope for a better future for all of us. Those victims are in our memories with each smile or mannerism repeated through the generations to come.
The realization of unbearable loss of those people who died are multiplied by the first responders who gave their all, and the ones lost in the subsequent war on terrorism ripple in our public consciousness like the memorial pool at Ground Zero
Seeing our nation, mourning their deaths, yet celebrating their lives and heroics- humbles me. We truly will not forget that Tuesday, ten years ago and hopefully the recollections from that awful day will keep us strong, focused, and dedicated to the freedom we all deserve.

New Year, New Me???

Okay, this year I did not even think about New Year Resolutions. Yeah, I did run through the "getting in shape", "learning not to procrastinate", and my all-time favorite, "spending within my means" scenarios, but the truth is that I am older and wiser. I know that making a list with all my potential improvements will remain a list for the next year with only a hint of guilt for not following-through.

I have gone with a new approach. I am trying to be better in some way everyday. Maybe it will be eating right, or doing a project early, or maybe just not buying that book or gadget that I was dying for in the first place. Or maybe it will be thinking about the act and deciding that I really do want it and will make it work accordingly.

Like me, I am sure you know what I am talking about as January 1st comes around each year and a new plan is needed to make a fresh start. However, I have a feeling that it is not necessary to restart or begin over again, but maybe like tortoise and "keep a-goin".

The point being that I am going to live in the present in a meaningful way- each and every day. No matter worrying or planning out what will never be accomplished from a insignificant man-made list. I do have to do all those things I mentioned, but for me and not because I am suppose to do it. Quality, not quantity is my new philosophy.

I will work on my weight and exercising to be healthier and live longer. I will whittle away at my "to do" list a little at a time, and I will use my money to make my life better and the people around me. Making time to enjoy my pursuits as well as handle my responsibilities. So, I will pursue my classes, finish paying my credit card debt, work and volunteer on a regular basis while allowing myself some all important "me" time for writing, creating, and actually relaxing on occasion.

With a new granddaughter, two wonderful grown daughters with their own lives, and a husband of a gazillion years, I have learned that they are what makes my life whole. Having that in mind, I know that they are my priority this year and every year. If I miss with them, I miss completely. So, I believe that this year there will be a new me. It will one day at a time even if it takes all year. Persistence is the key...