9/11 Remembrance
On this 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 we are all reminded at every turn to “never forget” and certainly that is true. None of us will, nor could we, ever forget what happened on that day. The loss, the sacrifice, the pain and the heroism are burned in our memory and our national consciousness is forever changed.
I have written many things on 9/11 over the years. From the black page of 2001, to the 2009 video tributes, I have shared my feelings with all of you. You have graciously read my words, heard my sentiments and listened with open hearts to my ramblings.
As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 arrived, I wanted to write something special, to share my feelings on what this day means to our nation, to the world and peace-loving people everywhere. I wanted to discuss the changes in all of our lives as well as the things that have changed for me personally. I wanted to do all of this, but found myself running up against a schedule that just didn’t allow for a lengthy blog post.
I spent all of last week with my amazing friend and web master Natalie Dawn. She was visiting from Japan on her way home to Joplin, Missouri. Lest we forget, Japan suffered a tragedy just months ago and Joplin was recently nearly wiped out by a tornado. Looking at Natalie’s photos of her home down and hearing about the loss of life and the massive issues faced by the people back home made my thoughts on the political football that 9/11 has become seem somehow less important.
I spent yesterday driving Nat back to the airport and then sharing a few hours with some of the best friends I have ever known at the USC football game. Sitting in the beautiful sun, enjoying company of people who care about me and knowing that I had helped to make Natalie’s final few minutes in the States good ones (Thanks in no small part to Pink’s hot dogs.) made any teary recount of how we all watched in horror in our overly media soaked world, as people died and the world changed seem somewhat overwrought.
My last chance to write the anniversary blog was this morning, but I am pressed for time as this September 11th is not only a day of remembrance for me, but also game one of winter little league. My eight year old son, not even a thought for us 10 years ago today, will begin his season as the starting catcher for his team. He is excited beyond belief and has promised to make both his father and manager, both the same for the first time ever, very proud. (I don’t quite know how to tell him that he already has, without ever setting foot on the field.) Yes, today is my debut as a manager for my son’s team. It has taken a great deal of time and made a grand 9/11 tribute blog impossible. Somehow, devoting my time to my son who has grown up every day in a post-9/11 America and helping his teammates enjoy baseball seems a bit more important than anything I could add about the true heroism of those who sacrificed their lives to save others in New York City ten years ago.
Today, instead of compiling a list of the hateful things done and said in the wake of 9/11 I find myself typing this much shorter and far less political blog. Somehow I as wrote this one instead I came to realize that I need no apologize for being unable to write something “grander” because I have spend the last several days enjoying true friendship, doing what I can to support people who are positive and being the very best father I can be.
My actions shall speak for me on this September 11th and I hope that the love I share with my son and my friends will suffice as a tribute to the true heroes.
As always, I welcome your comments.
Thank you all,
Rog
As is tradition, the banner on bottom of all 9/11 posts will be charity-based. If you join the site below using this banner, I will donate $10 to the Tribute WTC charity. Thank you in advance for helping contribute to this fantastic cause.
