I've tried to make it a goal to not repeat a blog conversation topic. So far, I've managed to keep that streak intact. But some things are well worth repeating, or in this case "remembering." And being that today's post is coming out on the actual date, I felt a personal responsibility to keep the memory of the moment fresh in our minds and hearts.
For those that lost loved ones in the attacks, they will never forget this date. Actually, they are reminded of their lost ones every day of their lives - 9/11 or 9/12 or 9/13. I won't presume to claim that folks in the areas of the three crashes are more connected to the event than those outside of the respective locations (World Trade Center Towers / Pentagon / Shanksville, PA), but I can say that it still carries a powerful memory for us living this close to Ground Zero.
Nor would I presume to in any way make a correlation between my cancer journey and the journey of loss and physical or mental health recovery that touches too many - borne from that fateful day (First Responders, victims and survivors; many of whom are going through their own tragic cancer journey; the price of their service). Is there no more powerful (ironic) reminder of the incalculable selflessness of their actions?
Having been in Manhattan on 9/11/01 (in Midtown - far, far away from the tragedy), this day serves as a reminder of what a true catastrophe is, and helps give me a lifelong perspective on the manageability of my struggle versus the unparalleled trauma for anyone touched more directly by the Attacks . . . in particular the one(s) in NYC.
