As
I write this on the morning of September 12, I’m still reeling from yesterday’s
somber day of remembrance. It was a day that contained moments of silence and events
to commemorate and remember September 11, 2001.
I
attended an event held at St. Joseph’s College (see front page for details). It
was a gathering that not only honored that day and the tragic losses of the
terrorist attacks, but it recognized the grant recipients of the Tramuto
Foundation.
Among
the many individuals in attendance were freshmen from the college. They were
invited to attend to gain a certain amount of perspective since they were
one-year-old toddlers and have no personal recollections of that fateful day.
I
had a moment to speak to one of those students and I asked her if she thought
there were other ways we could honor and remember all those affected by the
disaster. “I think it is possible to focus more on all the good that came from
that day,” she responded. She went on to explain that by doing so, we may be
more compassionate and not harbor anger unnecessarily.
I
had to think about her response for a little while. My first reaction was that
it might serve us well to remember the misfortunes too, and not to sugar coat
the shock of that day so as not to repeat such catastrophe. By recalling the
disasters, I told myself, it would remind us how we stood by one another as
united citizens on the days and months that followed. People from all walks of
life with different perspectives and political viewpoints did not matter - we
were all citizens of the United States who wanted the same thing: peace, safety
and happiness.
I
have had 24 hours to think about her wisdom. I think she might be right. I
don’t necessarily believe I’m completely wrong, but I am misguided about one
thing: Recalling the catastrophes has in no way kept us united citizens. We
have forgotten how to stand together as people who are integrated and unified.
I
invite you to join me in heeding the advice of an 18-year-old. Be more
compassionate in your interactions, especially with whom you do not see eye to
eye. Harbor less anger toward everyone and everything, especially toward those
whom you don’t understand (or even like). In this way, it’s possible to demonstrate
a more in-depth honor for all those lives lost and lives affected forever.
Now,
speaking of sugar-coating – today (September 14) is National Eat a Cream-Filled
Donut Day. Have one on me. Then on Sunday, go for a walk on the beach to lose
the calories gained, collecting rocks to celebrate National Rock Picking Day.
And together, let’s start next week over with a little compassion, moving
forward in the spirit that united us 17 years ago.
Thank
you, Makayla Perkett, for sharing your wisdom with me.
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