Here we are, 15 years later – landscape and lives changed forever! I am always moved by the tributes and memorials made in honor of those lost on 9/11. People pray today for those lost and for the strength and comfort of their families. I get all that, but what about survivors? As some of you may know, my husband is a 9/11 survivor. He was on the 91st floor of tower 1 that fateful morning.
Today, as moving as they are, we don’t watch the tributes, we don’t attend the memorials because it’s a painful reminder of the horror he experienced that day. Instead we celebrate what I like to call his second birthday. Unfortunately, sometimes I feel like the survivors are forgotten every year (this became apparent today when we stopped at a new place to have breakfast and there was a sign on the door that read: The restaurant will be closed on Sunday 9/11 in honor of those lost. My instant reaction was – what about those who survived who want to celebrate?) I think the impression is that survivors are alive so everything is alright when nothing could be further from the truth.
I never know what my husband wants to do when the anniversary rolls around. Does he want to acknowledge the anniversary or does he want to approach the day as usual? I didn’t just want to ignore the elephant in the room today so I asked. His response was: “I just want it to go away – I don’t want to be reminded of it.” “Ok, I get it” I replied and the conversation ended there. I went to church and the recessional song God Bless America resonated today like never before. It brought tears to my eyes.
He was ready to roll when I returned home from church. He was ready to celebrate and put this “anniversary” behind him. We hadn’t made any prior plans for the day but he expressed that he wanted to hop on his motorcycle and go somewhere for breakfast. I took it as a sign that he wanted to affirm his life, to be and feel free, so that’s just what we did.
The weather was absolutely glorious today. As we rode, I thought about the blessing of today and our ability to spontaneously ride and experience the beautiful landscape – so different from September 11th 15 years ago.
I remember I wasn’t able to communicate with him that day. I wondered where he could be. I worried that he had lost his life. My thoughts immediately turned to the fact that we had recently started a life together. We hadn’t even had time to start a family. We had just purchased our first house for goodness sake!
Fast forward 15 years and we still don’t have a “family” in the normal sense. However, we realize that God’s will for our lives was different than our “plans.” Funny guy this being we call God!
Today, the landscape in downtown Manhattan has changed dramatically. My perspective on why my husband’s life was spared has changed as well. He has touched and changed so many lives since his “rebirth.” I truly believe THAT is his purpose.
He is often misunderstood by those who should understand him best. The truth is he goes out of his way to help others, to give advice and direction and expects nothing in return. He wishes the best for everyone and is genuinely happy to see others prosper. He will give you the shirt off his back and his most prized possession if you express an interest. He is a man of integrity and THAT’s probably the only thing he expects from others.
How much respect, love and admiration I have for him. He is truly one of the greatest, kindest, compassionate human beings I have the privilege of knowing. He is the first thing that comes to mind when I focus on gratitude and acknowledging the various blessings in my life.
My husband inspires me to remain strong in times of adversity. He teaches me everyday about depth of spirit. I shudder to think what he could have become as a result of his experience 15 years ago. I’m grateful for the man he is today. He never sought psychological help as a result of all this. His ability to deal without seeking professional help makes me realize the power of faith, prayer and God’s infinite love for his children. There but by the grace of God goes my husband!
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