I had a lot of posts jangling around in my head last night when I couldn't get to sleep. And this morning driving my speedy to car to work. And even stuck in traffic on the way home.
But really there's only one post. It's been five years. We'll never forget. None of us here will.
I know we Bay Area folks are lucky in many respects. We didn't deal with anything like New Yorkers did. That was unbelievable and in many ways surreal.
But two of the planes were headed here. Some of the passengers lived here. Others were visiting. For some it was their first time on a plane. So many lives were lost. So many families and friends were affected. We mourned each of them. The world mourned with us.
Thalia reminds us of one of those lives in an incredibly moving tribute. There were many more.
My family was incredibly lucky. My very favorite in-law had a meeting that got canceled that morning. No one survived on that floor. So much heartache.
It was amazing how we came together that day and in the weeks to follow. A huge flag was draped across the Bay Bridge. It still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I couldn't drive across the bridge for months without crying and remembering.
For a short while the flag belonged to all of us again. What had become a symbol of the right was returned to the rest of us. At least for a short while. The world supported us. There were candlelit vigils across the globe. Millions of dollars were donated to relief organizations. Blood banks couldn't handle the numbers who wanted to donate.
There was so much goodness and compassion that came out of such evil. May we never forget that.
a the risk of getting a lightening bolt to the head all I can think of to say is.. amen
Posted by: Jennie | Monday, 11 September 2006 at 23:52
I too miss that common goodness that followed 9/11 as well. Smiling at strangers in solidarity in the checkout line at the grocery store, etc. I think even crime was down for a month afterwards. I wonder where that goodwill went?
Good post.
Posted by: Louise | Tuesday, 12 September 2006 at 07:28
We are better off today than we were eight years ago
Posted by: Lee | Monday, 01 October 2007 at 09:49