The 8th Nerve

We can be sure of at least one national tragedy in our lifetimes that shatters our sense of normalcy and belief in what we thought was true. Collectively, we walk in a haze and catch glimpses of our real selves pouring out before we can get our defenses back in the aftermath. The bonds of community that happen during those moments before we ‘recover’ is incredible.

It sounds corny but I think the same holds true for the personal 9/11s in our lives. Despite the shock and hurt and reworking of what was once fundamental, the things that remain unshaken (yet surprisingly easily taken for granted in normalcy) shine through. The opportunities that our own 9/11s give us to be real with those we love strengthen our bonds and give us new appreciation of what it really means. Unfortunately it may also be that bonds can be permanently damaged or we fight troubling wars for the wrong reasons. 9/11s present us with choices and responses that change the ever after, for good or ill.

Even though my country didn’t pull together in the way that I had hoped in the years after 9/11, I believe that my family will in the face of our own 9/11. Ideally we will never completely and fully recover from how our 9/11s shook the foundation of our country or our family, so that we can always see our bonds shining through.

No Comments »

Sep 11th 2006Introspection & Pictures