I was asked, why do I insist on celebrating this day.
First of all, celebrating is certainly, not the right word. One doesn’t celebrate the saddest day New York City has ever had.
But yes, we remember.
I’ve been thinking of Hurricane Harvey, and now Irma, the photos of people hugging their children and animals, sopping wet on the floor of a church.
Why Texas, why Florida, when New York has had the nicest weather, me running around in a little cotton dress, a breeze blowing through my hair.
Victims at random, like on September 11th, 2001 when so many died, just by showing up for work.
A friend, if he hadn’t moved from Florida two weeks ago, would have been smack in the middle of Irma’s path.
My pal Joe, interviewed at Cantor Fitzgerald, deciding not to take the job. They lost practically everyone on 9/11.
So yes, I remember the random, because like Joe, wasn’t one of them, but rather a witness to their fate.
This is why, on this day, I sit in a church and pray for them.
To quote the late Washington Post writer Mary McGrory, “Write short sentences in the presence of great grief.”
Even if it’s 16 years later.
Does that answer the question?
SB
I don’t remember things long or well. I try hard to remember this date, as I was at work and stunned as realization struck us. Our world changed that day.
I did forget as I had so much to do and had not ever noticed the date.
Thank you for that grim, but necessary reminder.
Kids, under 18, will not remember…we will have to tell them, and we should not stop.
My prayers go out.
Scott
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In a way, it’s good you have few details. Being here that day, I may have too many. I think to realize how precious life is, is how best to honor the fallen. Thanks for writing.
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Yes, it does.
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Thanks. Appreciate you saying that.
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Susannah, this is a date that should never go unnoted. Yesterday I saw a ‘before’ photo of the twin towers. It just pained me to think of the people inside, unsuspecting, not knowing what was to come.
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There’s nothing more I can say really. I remember it with such clarity always amazed how others gloss over it like it was not such a big deal. But that could be simply, pain management. i can still hear the bagpipes from all the funerals.
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No one should ever ask that question. Beautiful post!
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You sound like a New Yorker.
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Sure am
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Sounded that way.
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Susannah, have you ever written about where you were and what you were doing at the time? It’s one of those dates that you freeze in your memory bank and don’t forget. I still remember where I was when I learned of President Kennedy’s death (in history class, row 2, seat 2, Mr. Eberhart who broke the news to us). There aren’t a lot of those dates but I also remember where I was when I heard about John Lennon and Elvis too.
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Yeah, it’s in my collection of essays on E book…New York Diary…the last one. I remember everything…sigh
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I have that and must have read it but didn’t remember.
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No worries. Thanks though.
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I was in London, mailing a letter at the Trafalgar Square post office when I heard, Elvis died. Eating a pizza at Ray’s Pizzarias when a boyfriend came to tell me about John Lennon…Mrs. O’Connor’s 4th grade class at Sheridan School, when JFK was no more. Yes, alas, dates we remember.
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You answered the question eloquently. We’ve had house guests, and I had no idea of the date. I began to look through email messages before I got up, and yours hit me between the eyes. I’m sure it has never taken me by surprise like that before.
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It’s a long time ago, I realize that. Like Pearl Harbor, I guess.
I can never get over the randomness of tragedy in general. I heard of another fella who planned on going to work late that day, because he finally got an appointment with his allergist. Can’t imagine how he felt, dodging the bullet.
Was just watching the memorial and the families, they still cry.
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I think it’s important to remember, even when it’s painful and I especially understand for you, living in New York. Tragedies like that really are random; all the more reason to be thankful for every day we have.
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Well said my friend.
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This morning I looked out the window as I was getting ready for work and was reminded how 16 years ago it was a similar beautiful morning before everything changed forever. Great piece, and the only genuine mention I heard all day.
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I thought that too. How beautiful the weather was that day. I watched some of the Memorial, when they read the names. One blonde woman became so undone. I sobbed along with her. Loss is permanent. It never leaves you. Thanks for writing.
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