One Year Later

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, REVISITED


On this one year anniversary of the attacks on our country, we remember, we mourn and we celebrate. We remember the event, the horror and the disbelief. We celebrate the birth of heroes and heroines, those acting with incredible courage in the face of unknown circumstances and then in the face of what was known. In our celebrating we give thanks. And we mourn. We mourn for those who are no longer with us. We mourn for the loss of the sense of security we thought we knew. We mourn for the fears our children are carrying with them. And in the mourning we give thanks.

This event provides us with many "teachable moments:" how to celebrate in the midst of grief; how to mourn; how to move forward; how to be true heroes and heroines; how to be people of gratitude in the midst of sorrow. While we continue to struggle to put the events of that day in perspective, we can again ask, "What do we want our children to take from this experience?" Even in our feelings of vulnerability, we can provide ceremony and ritual to begin the healing of the wound and its fear. Ask your children for ideas; they are such a valuable source of information!

For many there has been relief in returning to the daily routines of life; for many the passage of time has brought a deeper appreciation of the fragility of life and love. Hug each other often. Pray together. Say I love you over and over, especially in the midst of struggle. Let each person know how wonderful and awesome he/she is. And, take care of yourselves, your feelings and needs, so that you may teach the lessons of the times to your children.