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9/11 and the choices we make...

8/30/2017

17 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
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Mid-August I traveled to NYC to see my kids and grand-kids. It's a trip I make at least twice a year. The above photo is of my sons and their loved ones. ​As any mom can attest, being with your kids is heaven on earth. ​This trip was definitely that and more. But, there was one day that was particularly special. And, it is the reason I write today. 

My eldest son lives in Manhattan. And, he works just a short distance from where the World Trade Center once stood. 
When I had several free hours, I decided to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. My son has never visited its remains, because his memories are still too vivid. 

The Memorial is a visceral experience. Through sound and images, visitors are confronted with two realities – the before when people were simply (and perhaps mindlessly) going to work; and the after, when time stopped.

As you walk through the edifice, you hear the last phone calls made and the screams from the streets. You see fragments of life – pieces of what was. Videos, photographs, names - they haunt you as you stand where almost 3,000 lost their lives.

There are no words to adequately explain the Memorial. It’s been a week since I visited, and it still brings me to tears. I walked away with a heart peopled by strangers, innocents who lost their lives to hate. And, I realized something unexpected.

I understood, deeply understood, that the choices we make to love or hate, to accept or reject, to help or to ignore, are choices that may live with us for eternity. 

More than 400 first responders died as they tried to help when the planes struck the twin towers of the World Trade Center. They chose to rush into danger, a decision now immortalized in film and literature. And, it is the latter that I bring to your attention today.

As I stood before the crushed, tangled remains of a fire engine, I thought of all those hurt by terror – in New York, Paris, London, Brussels. And, I thought of writers who address this abomination. Specifically, I thought of the thriller series by John W. Howell. I saw vividly how his books focus on the choices we make, simple ordinary folks like you and me, and how by our decisions, we hold the possibility of a world free of such pain. 

My morning journey left indelible impressions - of men in tears resting against the stone walls, and women hunched weeping. The sorrow that I know comes in waves and reminds me that how I choose to live today may affect more than just me.

If you’ve ever doubted that we are eternal beings, a trip to the Memorial will convince you otherwise. The entombed at Ground Zero live, they teach, they remind us that even the simplest decision creates a path that might not be retraced.
​
We are voyagers through life, you and I, and with gratitude for all those who sacrificed on my and your behalf I claim, our contribution rests with the choices we make.

17 Comments
John Fioravanti
8/31/2017 06:50:08

Oh, my, Gwen! This is a beautiful reflection and is so well written. I felt your emotion and saw the images before I scrolled down to the photos. I agree, somehow, we are immortal and our choices last an eternity. Thank you for the reminder.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2017 16:07:45

Thank you so much, John. Blessings....

Reply
Davy D link
8/31/2017 08:10:28

A very poignant and moving post Gwen. I visited New York two years ago and went to the Memorial and the memory is still strong with me today. Your last paragraph is powerful.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2017 16:08:30

Thank you, Davy. I always appreciate your insights and comments. All the best...

Reply
D.L. Finn
8/31/2017 08:28:52

I don't think I've ever read it better put about personal choice, Gwen. Your experience was beautifully sad yet a tribute to the human spirit and love. There are times when all we can do is act and it may be a choice that affects the rest of our lives...yet we would do it again. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2017 16:09:49

Thank you so much, D. L. We live in a time when it is so important to stay close to our hearts. ♥ Blessings....

Reply
Jan Sikes
8/31/2017 10:12:30

This is a beautiful post and I agree about John Howell's book bringing that idea about choices we make home.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2017 16:11:37

Yes...the choices we make create our tomorrows. It's overwhelming to think in this way. Thank you, Jan. I so appreciate your comments.

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Ralph Taylor
8/31/2017 10:41:14

How very true. Choices between good and evil. Those that gave their lives chose dignity and hope for mankind. Thank you for the reminder how important it is give respect to those who gone before us.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2017 16:13:03

Thank you so much, Ralph. I agree with you - others, through their courage, created a future for us. Now we need to do the same. Blessings....

Reply
John Howell link
8/31/2017 17:40:55

What a beautiful expression of what the 911 memorial means in terms of our voyage through this world. Thank you, Gwen for the mention of my books and for recognizing the deeper story they tell.

Reply
Gwen Plano
9/1/2017 04:01:04

Thank you, John. The visit to the Memorial was eye-opening on so many levels. And, scenes from your books came alive in that setting.

Reply
Tina
9/4/2017 17:23:20

Being fully present in life is difficult when so much is spinning around us or we head for the next task without thinking. Your words ring true especially In our tumultuous world. Thank you for the reminder to reflect before making choices that may impact the future.

Reply
Gwen Plano
9/5/2017 16:35:25

Thank you, Tina. The Memorial makes everyone pause and consider the next moment. Very powerful experience. ♥

Reply
Lynda Filler link
9/21/2017 10:21:16

I love this. Even though I'm a Canadian, I felt the collective pain of this event. My heart was so heavy that day. This year I watched a Netflix movie The Trade Centre. I stopped it about ten minutes in...too sad. Then I went back and watched it again. If it was sad for me I will never forget how devestating it's been for others.
I chose you for PIF day at RRBC and have reposted your blog. Thanks for everything you do and especially for sharing your story Letting Go Into Perfect Love. Thanks Gwen.

Reply
Gwen Plano
9/22/2017 02:37:29

Thank you so much, Lynda. This means the world to me . Your kindness warms my heart. Blessings!

Reply
Lynda
9/22/2017 10:44:46

you're welcome!




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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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