10. September 2020
On this night, 19 years ago, I could not tell you what I did, what I ate, who I saw, what I watched. I know only what I awoke to – the sadness of a plane hitting a building in NYC. Followed by a second one plowing into its twin. 18 years ago, I would have spoken proudly about how our nation was strong & unified. Today I’m heartbroken by the division, the anger, the debate over truth – that the divide in our country is so deep that families stop talking to one another. Friendships broken. If we want to honor the American spirit so many of us claim to possess, if we want to pay forward the sacrifices made by so many on 9/11 & in its aftermath, we need to lay down some of this silly pride, cool off from self-righteous anger and start humbly picking up the pieces of this puzzle that we’ve thrown to the ground in a national tantrum. Somewhere amongst the scattered bits, we can find ways to connect again. Disagree on the severity of COVID? Fine: connect on the importance of safely reopening our small businesses & finding creative ways to socialize our children.Disagree on who should be President for the next four years? Fine: connect on issues crucial to our children’s future – healthcare, education, economy, geopolitical stability – if not our own.Disagree on protesting for BLM vs Patriot Prayer? Fine: at least agree to the fact that violence is not the answer & those who inflict violence should be prosecuted, black or white, cop or civilian.Disagree on whether climate change is a hoax? Fine: recognize that there are always ways to be better stewards of the home we’ve been given, in the time we’ve been gifted & perhaps agree that the Boy Scouts were on to something when they created the rule, always leave a place better than you found it.There are a million and one ways to disagree – that’s easy… anyone whose been married for any length of time can attest to this. The hard work is in coming together on the things we CAN agree on across diverse divides. On the eve of 9/11, I think of the horror & loss we witnessed – that so many experienced firsthand. We owe it to all generations who have sacrificed so much – we owe it to them to come together, to do better.
Musings of a Mom 