Thoughts on 9/11

Thirteen years ago a terrible event shattered our world. It came without warning... so sudden... so blatant... so tragic.

And, our world changed, never again to regain the innocence lost that day. That day, whether we acknowledge it or not, affected all of us who experienced it, and it continues to affect us each day.

There are many posts that implore us to never forget and to make sure our children never forget. Other posts salute our responders and civil servants, and rightly so, and there are other posts that continue the fight started that day. All that I have read are right and good posts.

But for me, my memories of that day begin and end with life. The many lives that were lost that day were more than a number. Fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, friends, cousins, girlfriends, boyfriends and Americans... no one was spared. Tragedy came to everyone swiftly and without bias.

And, for a moment, we were united again. We forgot about politics and the many things that divided us, and we became one again. I have often asked myself why... why do we unite for tragedy when we cannot unite for unity?

And, then it hit me... a common cause. Tragedy gave us a common cause without bias or difference. When 9/11 hit, it hit all of us. Everyone saw it and experienced it. No one received special treatment and no could removed themselves from it. Everyone, regardless of who you were, was affected and life, for a while, was different.

Now, thirteen years later, we live in a world more dangerous than ever, and we are, again divided. I would say that we are as divided as we have ever been at any point in my lifetime. And, what divides us? Well, if pressed I would say... it is each of us. We divide us because we tend to be about ourselves first, and others come a distant... well, they come last these days.

Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and all the other social media sites have contributed to our national narcissism. Each provides an opportunity not afforded to us in the past, an opportunity to promote... ourselves to the world.  And, they add to our growing addiction of ourselves.

On that tragic day thirteen years ago, we forgot about ourselves for a while and focused on others, and it was good. Sacrifices were made; some gave up their things and others gave their lives; collectively, the nation looked at others for a while without even thinking or worrying about ourselves, and we became one again for a period of time.

In honor of those who sacrificed everything that day, let's live looking at others before we look at ourselves. I have found that is truly better to give than receive.