I was hesitant to write about 9/11 because I knew the days leading up to it and on that day, we’d be saturated with stories about that horrific day. I can be a contrarian (for instance: I don’t have an iPhone because everyone else does, I watched Friends but not when it was on TV the first time, I absolutely will not watch This Is Us). Also, I didn’t want to just write because I *should* write about it. There are many heartbreaking stories from that day. There are also stories of heroism.
My story isn’t heartbreaking or heroic. I was just a college student starting a new semester, and honestly I was annoyed with the university staff who were supposed to be helping me get my campus parking pass but they were glued to the TV for a reason I didn’t know yet. I write more about all that here.
As September 11, 2021 came and went, I’ve felt more rage than in years past. I hope it wasn’t because I had become numb or nonchalant about the attack. But this past Friday night those feelings of anger, rage, and revenge bubbled up again… and I liked it. It was Sept 10th, I was watching CBS’s program covering the plane crashes. They started with the stories from NYC and covered the related events all the way up to the last soldier leaving Afghanistan a few weeks ago, almost 20 years after 9/11/2001. Before I say anything else, I must tip my hat with a heart overflowing with gratitude, respect, awe, and jealousy to the men and women who rush *into* harms way when everyone else is running away. This goes for the heroes on the planes, the first responders that tragic morning of the towers burning and falling, to everyone who has served in any capacity on the hunt for Bin Laden and terrorist groups and the SEALS who took out Bin Laden, to the 13 who passed away as the war ended last month.
I’m in awe of them. I’m jealous, but not in the envious evil way. I’m jealous because I wish I was like them. So selfless. So fearless. Running towards the danger when our natural response is to flee.
I know people with this kind of spirit. I have family members who are fighters like this. I’m in awe of them, too.
This remembrance of 9/11, two decades after the events, has reminded me to be vigilant. Be kind. Love people. But be fearless. Be badass. Don’t flee.
I hate what happened on that day. So many people lost their lives and I can’t even imagine what it would feel like knowing you’re going to die. Or being in the towers after they were hit, thinking you might have a chance but wondering if this is the end.
There is a special place in Hell for the demons who carried out these sick and evil things.
-Out of the Wilderness
Out of the Wilderness 