Both David Jimenez and I are survivors of the WTC Tragedy of September 11, 2001. Unbeknownst to each other, David was in Tower #1, 73rd Floor and I was in Tower #2, 73rd Floor. Different towers, same floor! I thank God for having spared our lives!
“To the Police Officer Who Assisted Me On September 11, 2001: I don’t know your name, but I think about you often. And one day I will gather the courage to find out if you survived that day. Praying and hoping to meet you someday.”
To rebuild. Or not to rebuild. When to rebuild. When not to rebuild. Victims’ families and politicians at odds over making a decision. The debate; the speculation, the finger-pointing, the accusations. It goes on. A conflict ; a battle over what families and friends feel is the appropriate way of honoring victims’ memories and, let’s face it: the mighty dollar. Frankly, I have not given much thought to the sketches and plans presented concerning the “new” World Trade Center. I understand, that on one hand, rebuilding can be viewed as a testament to the city’s strength and resilience. But on the other hand, I cannot help but think that I would have preferred a memorial park be built on those grounds. For as far as I’m concerned, the World Trade Center site is and will always be a cemetery, hallowed ground.
Issues pertaining the health hazards that rescue workers faced while on their search, rescue and clean-up missions are hot topics as we approach the 5th anniversary of the Tragedy. And then, there are the movies based on the events of that fateful, horrific day. And the books. And a miniseries. Is it too soon? Or is it not soon enough? The debate. It goes on. And on.
In the midst of it all, I often wonder…. has humanity really learned any of the lessons birthed out of that tragedy? Even more, has humanity really recognized any lesson at all? Or were the good intentions vowed and recommitted as that tragic day came to end, the good-will towards others, the search for what is truly important, valuable and significant, has it all been lost, swept up along with the debris and the ashes left behind? And…. what have I learned? What have I learned after surviving such a catastrophe? What have I learned after escaping death by a mere 25 minutes or so?
For September 11th has left an indelible mark, a footprint on my heart. The sights, the smells, the sounds…. I can recall certain things about that horrific day that I did not back then. I will never forget. And I will also never forget because as a survivor, I was given a second chance at this journey we call life. But I have to be honest. There had been times, even since that day, that I had taken the precious gift of life and all its blessings for granted. Lord, let me not forget to embrace that gift. Let me not forget.
I’m still here. Striving to be the best person I can be. Continually seeking to walk in my God-given purpose and destiny. Praying that my heart always remain steadfast in being a source of encouragement wherever hurt, despair, worry and hopelessness abound. Thanking God for the quiet strength that has seen me through and continues to see me through. Choosing to stand instead of giving in to self-pity and defeat; for whatever circumstances, one can always find at least one reason to smile. Count your blessings. In fact, take a minute to think about one of your blessings. I can assure you that whatever that blessing may be, it can put a smile on your face. See?
On this the 5th anniversary of that day, it is certainly worth taking some time for some quiet introspection. Time to reevaluate what is at the core of our lives. Time to reevaluate what are our priorities. Time to take the time to add to our lives those “little things” that mean a great deal. To hug someone. To say “I love you.” To forgive a grudge. To examine goals, dreams and aspirations. To laugh out loud. To call an old friend. To send a long-lost friend a “hello” card. To reignite the fire and the passion you once had for a cause, a passion or a dream. To rediscover an old favorite hobby or past time. To treat yourself to a dinner or a movie. A dance lesson. A massage. A pedicure. To read a good book. To be kind to yourself. And to others.
More than 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters who never came home. As we pause to remember those whose lives are no more, let us also thank God for life and its blessings.
Carpe Diem. Seize the Day!
From The City of My Journey,
Lisa M. Rivera
“ I Can’t Cry Hard Enough”
- by Jason Powers
I'm going to live my life
Like every day's my last
Without a simple good-bye
It all goes by so fast
And now that you're gone
I can't cry hard enough
No I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now
I'm going to open my eyes
And see for the first time
I've let go of you like
A child letting go of his kite
There it goes up in the sky
There it goes beyond the clouds
For no reason why
I can't cry hard enough
No I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now
I'm going to look back in vain
And see you standing there
When all that remains
Is just an empty chair
And now that you're gone
I can't cry hard enough
No I can't cry hard enough
For you to hear me now.
www.cantcryhardenough.com
