9/11 Twenty Years Later

 My husband and I visited NYC in August 2018 and spent a day at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and Ground Zero area. We saw evidence of the devastation as well as new developments and structures, including the unique Oculus. It was sobering and hopeful and the same time. 

Devastation

I remember September 11, 2001 well. I was on a home care visit with a patient on David St, in a 3rd floor apartment. The patient was an amputee and the TV was on as the second airplane hit the tower. Details of days like this remain etched deeply in our memory, even if we experience no direct impact related to the incident. The world has changed greatly in the past 20 years and the unity shown by Americans in the face of the attack has all but vanished. 

Hope

We enjoyed the Broadway show, Come from Away which told the story of Canadians in Gander NFLD who opened their hearts and homes to stranded travellers. Twenty years has not changed Newfoundland significantly!

Today I looked through the photos taken during our week in New York City and am thankful we had an opportunity to visit at that time. It is important to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices made on this day. It is more important to remember current injustices and conflicts and to continue to work toward peace and reconciliation for the future. I want to unite with others to make the world a better place for my children and grandchildren. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! 

Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, 

be of one mind, live in peace. 

And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11