REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH

 Everyone has a story or memory of that day and the days to follow.

Adolph was in Italy with Sonya.

Tash and I spoke on the phone all day long.

25 years ago and still resonates for so many of us. 

It was day and a time of sadness and resilience.

#september11th#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH

15 years and we are still standing! How has the world changed? Still too many conflicts related to that event. New York has survived. But people that were  in the city that day are having health issues and some have passed away. PTSD from that day have many not moving forward. Others have embraced the tragedy and lived to prove good can come from adversity!  I was on the phone all day long with my oldest daughter at her work as we saw the day unfold. Downtown Toronto office buildings emptied. Reminds me my youngest daughter was in Milan beginning her studies with Adolph helping to settle her in the city. He was delayed coming home. I remember when he arrived at the airport as his flight was part of the bunch of flights that started again after all planes had been grounded in North America. I met him and linked arms as we scurried to the car. The joy of people greeting loved ones at the airport. What were their stories? I remember the quiet in the morning for many days after September 11th as no planes were going over my house. Canadians in cities across the country putting up stranded passengers.Then one morning as I was putting out the garbage, a plane from the west- a red eye was in the sky. The relief that life was returning to a new normal. Hearing the planes later in the day as flights came from Europe and the West at that time. What was the logistic story of getting North America flying again? Over the years watching various documentaries on the day from different people's perspectives builds on the immense story of the day and weeks afterwards. Those visiting New York now go to the site of the Twin Towers! The memorial that is there brings meaning to people in different ways! Knowing the stories of the Canadians who died there is poignant! Some from the GTA! Time does seem to heal and life goes on! Trust is not always there for many people! Although it was not the first surprise event on North America soil nor conflict! Like other days in history for many of us- JFK, Viet Nam,Space Shuttle, personal tragedies! Memories and moments come flooding back into our conscience! Are we older and wiser? Are our securities systems much better without us knowing? Hope so!

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11TH

Everyone  remembers what they were doing and where they were when the news of the attack on New York City, the Pentagon and the plane crash in Shanksville PA. A day that changed the world in North America. The day we looked at our lives and those around us differently. Who can we trust amongst us? With the current conflict in the Middle East, we can not forget. Striving to help those refugees in need but urging governments to stop the conflicts. Always trying to strive for world peace is humanity's struggle! As we remember, also try to think of one kindness to do today. One hand reaching out to help another! I believe there are more good people in this world than evil ones- yes there are evil ones. But good will prevail. Lessons from September 11th are with you! What do you remember? What were you doing? Stop and reflect then move on!

A DAY TO REMEMBER-SEPTEMBER 11

As the news stations show clips of that day, we all have our memories and stories of what we were doing, where we were and the fears for those we loved. Some of us saw the Towers coming down live while others caught it on other news clips. Through the years there have been documentaries on the other stories that happened that day like the boats and ferries that evacuated people from New York City. The Principal that walked her students to safey. And even a movie or two about some of the background stories. Now we are thinking about those who have suffered lung disease, PTSD and cancer from being first responders. The ramifications of the conflicts that followed and continue to affect us are the legacy. As we all reflect on that day, may we continue to live in hope of a peaceful world!

LETTERS TO OUR ARMED FORCES

One of my annual Christmas commitments each year since the first Gulf War in 1991 is to write to our troops wherever they are serving in the world. This year there were 13 letters. Some of the missions are closing and our service men and women are coming home. I have a collection of responses I have received over the years from a few of the people serving. Insight is gained into the activities they are doing. It is easy to get the addresses from the National Defense of Canada site. There is a way to email the troops that takes very little time if you are interested. Before September 11th, I would send small packages but now only family members can do that. Since my letters go to any Canadian Forces Member, only postcards are allowed but I fold my letters with tape holding the sides for mailing so they are accepted. You can peek in the sides! My energy is low this year so I almost talked myself out of doing it as there are dirty corners in my house to be cleaned. But the job is done! Pushed myself and hope that the greetings from the Di Mambro family may help someone somewhere! Here's to our Armed Forces and the families! May God Speed and keep you out of Harm's Way!