Kim has already posted a pretty good take on September 11 and the events that transpired six years ago. (Six years already?!)
I’d just like to add a simple question: How has your life changed? Some of us have had friends and family members who have fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. But for many people, the only big change has been the extra security at airports. Other than that, life has settled into the same hurried ruts that were prevalent in pre-9/11 days.
On the first anniversary of September 11, 2001, Kim and I decided to start a little tradition of going out on date. No matter how squeezed our budget or how short our time, we made a pact to spend time together. It’s a little tradition that reminds me how lucky I am to be married to such a smokin’ hot wife (eat it, Ricky Bobby) who is my best friend and number one fan. It also reminds me how blessed I am to live in this country, have the family I have, and do what I do. We can never spend enough time being thankful. It’s a tradition that continues tonight, and one I don’t see us letting go of anytime soon.
We can spout clichés all day long about learning the lessons of 9/11 and appreciating what you have, but the truth is that unless your life looks differently than it did six years ago, then the clichés are nothing more than mindless babble.
So what about you? How has your life changed? Have you started any traditions or habits to commemorate 9/11?
[tags]September 11, 9/11, traditions, thankfulness[/tags]
Well, again, I work for a government agency so we do have additional security rules. However, a lot of our additional security was actually added after the Oklahoma City bombing (remember that one?) and 9/11 simply added a reminder to keep doing the ID checks, etc. I do remember flying to Norfolk, VA in November of 2001 and there was a large abundance of security folks with very serious looking rifles. If you think security lines are long today, you should have gone through them back then!
Personally, I’ve simply become more grateful for the family and friends that I have and the freedoms I’m able to enjoy as an American. If there are people in the world that hate us so much for what we have, surely there must be something good about it! I say a prayer at the beginning of each day that goes something like this: “Thank you for this day. Thank you for my friends and family. Help me make the best decisions I can make today with the information I have (and sometimes the best decision is to make NO decision). Help me communicate those decisions in the best manner possible to those affected, and help me follow up to the best of my ability.” It’s simple, but I think it helps.
God bless the families who suffered direct losses on that terrible day and God bless our great country!
Great prayer, Minette. I especially like the part about how sometimes the best decision is making NO decision.
Kim and Jason,
Eleven days after 9/11, our daughter was to be married. We had many folks coming who lived locally, but there were some who had to fly and we didn’t know for a few days if they would be able to get here.
The collective national sadness embraced us in the days leading to the wedding, and we were all feeling a bit uncertain about our ability to celebrate this family event.
The wedding enabled us to break through that black cloud for a day.
Now, on THE DAY, I always do something private to remember, but then just a week and a half later I have something to celebrate, and that something actually yielded yet another something, our first granddaughter.
Yin and yang.
What a wonderful tradition. This is the best “9/11” post I’ve read all day. Thank you so much!
Katie — Thanks for sharing. It is amazing how good always comes out of bad…sometimes it just takes a little perspective.
Bob — Thanks for the kudos. I am honored by your compliment!
Hey Kim and Jason!
I would LOVE to hear some of your “date night” ideas. My husband and I also try to have a weekly date night, but things tend to get stale or boring. We usually end up having dinner and renting/pay-per-viewing a movie, but watching a movie together, while nice, gets old if that is all you ever do! We tried doing a game night, which was lots of fun the first few times, but again, we are looking for some variety. I’ve Googled “date ideas” and the results always seem the same… things that can’t be done where we live (“go for a walk on the beach”) or are difficult to do at night (“go on a bike ride”). So, I was wondering if you two Mavens of Fun had any great tips… I would love to hear what dates you two enjoy!