Thoughts on 911-Brooklyn Born Raised in Glen Head Some 27 ½ Miles From Manhattan Out On North Shore Of Long Island, Lived in Minneapolis From 1/1968( 10/1968-11/1969 Des Moines, Iowa- Hopkins,MN-then Minneapolis Since 5/1976-Lost A Relative on 100 th Floor of 1 St Tower. Had Lived Would Be 60 On 12/7/2011. Township of Middletown that I sold to lost 36.
911 is approaching. My subscribed since 1/1970 www.startribune on 8/7/2011 stated in two articles: Be ready for the 10 th anniversary coverage on T.V. as well as in print media. Another article referred to the town of Marshall,MN some 150 miles SW of Minneapolis that secured a piece of steel from one of the towers-turned into a memorial park in center of the city. How many have been affected or have had a connection such as knowing those who died from D.C. Pentagon, Shanksville, Pa crash or in N.Y.C. ? Did you know of anyone who experienced loss ? Where were you on that day such as those who might have recalled Brooklyn winning 1 st World Series on 10/4/1955 at 3:43 P.M., Kennedy’s death/assassination on 11/22/1963 or Pearl Harbor on 12/7/1941 ? What emotions were you feeling ? Did it change how you viewed the world ? Did you stop traveling as a result of the fear of another attack on U.S. soil ? If you have journeyed since then what has been your experiences with security ? Did it trigger or make you recall other events, good/bad, or traumas in your life ? Have you observed how other cultures interact ? Do we still have FREE SPEECH ? Did 911, unless you had a personal connection, make any difference to you on how you view the world today ? Too many ?????’s unanswered ?
What would happen if you began to write down your thoughts or on occasion on what happened? Since computer is upstairs, save scrap paper near table downstairs that leads into kitchen-then if an idea hits me after walk or while reading paper-jot it down to review at another time. I still have a spiral notebook where I record names/notes that I learned from a supplier when I 1st .started selling in 1983. What was going through your mind ? Objective !! Record for yourself, associates or family such as my mourning of J.F.K. after 11/22/1963 that I still have from a typewriter( what is that) the night of his death. My late beloved Aunt Lillian who passed on 3 years ago( sister in-law of late 11/3/1915-10/25/2000 mother) who was married to my mother’s brother on his 88 th birthday, once told me to just use pen and paper( opps –what’s that )compose your thoughts down-who cares of the correct grammar, pronunciation or MY CASE 10 thoughts scrambled ALL at one time. Possible to set aside some QUIET time in thought ? Even if someone would not understand ?
I was on the phone with Greg Morgan of the N.R.A.O ( National Radio Observatory in Green Bank, W,V ) which was one of my 1 st customer’s in 8/1983-visited site in 1986-we even got up in telescope and then customer took a picture of a star)-somewhere saved-on a data sheet-he mentioned that the 1 st plane had hit the Towers-then rushed downstairs to see 2 nd plane hit. 1st THOUGHTS-where are family member’s ??? Oldest daughter/youngest daughter/grandson’s-ALL RIGHT !! IMMEDIATELY I began to call customer’s in the area. 2 in particular ( one my biggest who I still am in touch with in Phila was in car-not a train where he worked in NYC/ the other who’s wife was in Manhattan). Watched T.V. and guided Phia customer around NYC as well as informed NY customer as to what routes his wife were to take. At noon-I shut down-wife and I then got 4 and 5 year old grandson’s-took them along Minnehaha Creek as we parked in church lot-WHAT DID THEY LEARN OR WERE TAUGHT from pre-school or kindergarten ? Collected some 9 ‘ plus daisy like wild flowers. Attended a memorial service at 4:00 P.M. at a local Lutheran Church but Bronx, NY native minister spoke about racism-I wept and left service with sadness-needed a place to mourn not be preached guilt.
No planes were flying like the 1998 Northwest Airline pilot strike. We had reservations to fly to Vancouver, B.C. on 9/14( canceled IMMEDIATELY as well as a credit on VISA). Then called hotel-glad to accommodate -needed eventually found rooms for people stuck on tour ships. That next morning-got an oil change in Tupperware car-tossed everything in-left that night( at that time like since marriage of 1969-most trips would drive through the night). Drove to Columbia Falls, Montana. Then 1 st. Americans allowed into Canada on 9/14-told all that we were native New Yorker’s-we hugged and cried-drove across S Canada-made it to Victoria Island-even sprinted from hotel through streets of Vancouver like in a road race and made the ferry. We came back through NW Montana to hike our favorite of eventually 38 out of 58 National Parks-10 th visit. In Glacier National Park.
Upon arriving home found that my mother’s, cousin’s son had died on 100 th floor of 1 st tower-36 from Township of Middletown, NJ that I had sold pershished. It was a time of RECOVERY !!! Reading the saved papers however we noticed next to the Editorial Section comments about 911 from the Rev.’s Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell-each blamed those who were Pro-Choice and the gay lifestyle-this was later recanted by the Rev. Falwell. How interesting perhaps ? is that in reading all the LETTERS TO EDITOR not one comment from Reader’s.
Have the terrorists already won with what I see in 2011 ? A situation greater than our Civil War or Viet Nam of rich against poor/have’s against have not’s where there is no COMPROMISE on not taxing the wealthy into paying their fair share or having firm’s headquarters off shore while majority of workers live in U.S. ? Have we already seen the division of mainstream denominations( my opinion in defining mainstream as being-common ground that Jesus died on the cross and took away all sin and pain by those who believe in the Trinity-Father, Son, Holy Ghost and who are saved by grace through faith ) who now have or trying to accept gays or women into their ministry). Is there turmoil in other faiths with other issues ?
EVERYDAY ON MY daily 5 mile walk FOR OVER A MONTH , I have struggled and wrestled as the anniversary nears and will probably afterwards. An OPPORTUNITY for growth for it also made me look at other effects of trauma as well. I only read the paper, listen to news till around 7:30 A.M. on radio, watch local news on one channel at 5:00 P.M.-NBC at 5:30-then another local news on an other network. In 2/2002 after we were hit from behind that would eventually give us 7 eye surgeries on opposite eyes( mine blurred-wife’s out of sync with brain) .Doris would then be in hospital a week later for 3 days-slipped and fell at oldest-broken shoulder-metal plate that does not go off through security.Minister’s brother-in-law preached-instead of giving up something for Lent-take on something NEW-began a reading program of biographies that are opposite of what I believed. Reading the Letters To Editor also enhances one’s horizons. Might one learn about relationships and family values from the Comics-give it a try ?
What would happen, perhaps ? ( Borrowed that phrase from sermon of former 36 year minister-life is a mystery perhaps) Make the 2 nd weekend of September an “ unofficial “ weekend of REFLECTION ? All to stop, pause, reflect ? Call it ( SPROUT)-S(stop)P(pause)R(reflect)O(observe)U(understand)T(tolerate)-that we might be able to sprout a greater understanding of others as well as look inside ourselves ? With me a conundrum since church will celebrate 70 th anniversary of building in 1941. Founded in 1940 that met in a local grade school that late father-in-law wife, daughter’s attended by stern faced Germans who married vibrant Norwegian women. We will have a pot luck dinner, games afterwards for children in same area where we collected flowers after 911 –a complex puzzle-how does one celebrate an event yet remembers a situation that happened in the past ? After J.F.K.’s death all National Football games were held 2 days after “ for the good of the nation” ? My adorable/angelic mate as well as new 6/5 minister know my concerns about 911 but share my feelings that I MUST not voice grief and ruin church celebration. Perhaps, like in a death, we celebrate life ?
Are there solutions from 911? If: week before Thanksgiving that we DECLARE a National Cultural Awareness Week. Have EVERY religion, those who do not celebrate or recognize Christmas to put displays on public property and allowed to share beliefs in public schools. Then on the day after Thanksgiving those who embrace Christmas be allowed to have manger scenes and Christmas trees on public property WITHOUT possible law suits of separation of church and state ? Several years ago ONE person was offended by having Christmas trees at the Denver airport-taken down-then put back up. During my 7-12 jr./sr. North Shore High School from 1957-1963 of 30 % Russian orthodox ( mostly in Sea Cliff-even has a DuBois Street-from 1650’s heritage) 30 % Jew and combination of those from Catholic Glen Cove, Glenwood Landing Presbyterian, Sea Cliff Methodist and Glen Head Lutheran churches we had manger and Menorah displays through the school. As the top non-select chorus in the State of NY where I was a member EVERY CHRISTMAS we sang ½ songs in Hebrew/ ½ Christmas-at the finale-all former chorus members came down and joined in singing the Alleluia Chorus. Good memories-before “ where dressing up WAS important “ grads would come while in college or after, bring significant others, or even children-WHEW !! Recall when I brought my married mate-left oldest daughter with parent’s. Was honored to be a part of the men’s chorus not because of my voice but that of enthusiasm in addition to being able to read music-ironic. Hence, despite my strained voice, would sing 2 nd tenor plus was off beat. When have I ever been normal ? Our school was the North Shore Vikings and our group called the Hoarse Norseman-guess who has a 1’ X 1’ Norwegian flag outside home in honor of my mother’s heritage ? .Would celebrating Christian/ Jewish traditions in December be allowed to happen as my grandson’s have been discouraged from wearing red and saying “ Merry Christmas “ in the public school system. I once wrote a band ½ time program and it ended with forming a cross on public property as we sang God Bless America-not now ? .
I was a member of an organization from 5/1976-3/2008. We used to have the Pledge to flag, followed by a prayer. A member who was an ordained minister but occupation was a businessman-married on 11/22/1969-no kid’s objected to the pledge since U.S. did not have EQUAL RIGHTS for all plus the prayer was offensive( did others believe in prayer ?). We had a debate in 1987 that still has “emotional scars”. Explained that French Protestant Huguenot family settled Brooklyn in mid 1650’s, Norwegian family in 1890’s-all served in military( I could not-eyesight), great Uncle, Amsterdam born, was chief engineer that brought Statute of Liberty over in 1800’s. That the U.S. flag was a real person-like taking communion wine as being the ACTUAL blood of Jesus who died on the cross. We kept the pledge but changed the prayer to a prayer, inspiration or a saying. He then would walk out the door on the pledge, and would not bow head on prayer. Perhaps the final blow came when the Christmas Party was changed to the Holiday Party. I had a motion to change the Holiday Party to Christmas/Holiday Party since Holiday Party was offensive to those who celebrated Christmas( in other words-if one does not approve of Christmas, do not send Christmas cards, take Christmas bonus’ or eat my Christmas cookies. It passed but then over turned by Board.
I left with sadness as a result of where is civility and respect for different views ? A few years ago, a teacher commented on a student who refused to pledge the flag. The student was praised yet the teacher criticized for commenting about the pupil’s beliefs. If only my associate had remained silent and stood at attention during the pledge or had civility to respect others who started meeting by choice with a prayer? Perhaps, I was the one who did not have civility to accept his feelings ? The only exception I believe are the Jehovah’s Witnesses who do not believe in the pledge. I can recall when we used to have the school prayer where it would later be unconstitutional.. However, no classmates left the room if did not believe or parents who made it a CRISIS in expressing one’s belief.. How many can recall when the word “ atheist “ spelled fear during the school prayer debate in the early 1960’s ?
Is there a possibility that SOME on the L and R might come to common ground ? In 2012 Minnesota will have on the ballot as a Constitutional Amendment in Defining Marriage as between a man and a women as to avoid later law suit suits- projected $ 15 million in commercials and lobbying efforts. It is slated to get NASTY and the angry words are already beginning to appear in the paper. .
As 911 approaches might we BE AWARE of what has happened ,? Can we consider looking at how we communicate with each other? What does this have top do with 911 ? Just from observations have noticed a lack of dialogue in how we interact ? As one who spent 27 years selling computer products over the phone, I observed that EVEN though one can ACCESS info 24/7 it appears that these devices mar one on one communication. How often have you been engaged in a conversation when someone’s cell phone goes off ? Are they polite, say excuse me, see what is about and then get back to that person after your conversation ? How many when on a phone conversation does the other person put you on hold while taking another call ? How important are you ? About 10 years ago my wife and I walked the mile to favorite grocery store that has been in community since 1954. Met a then former Toastmaster. During our brief conversation his cell phone went off. We waited as he talked with the caller. After a minute, we merely walked away.
A possibility ? Have we lost the ability to be polite ? Could ETHICS/CIVILITY be taught by volunteers in ALL grades from 1 st through Sr. year in college ? How many now take a hat off when they enter a building, men stand up when a women enters a room, pull out a chair before sitting a woman at a table ? Take hand and put over heart as a flag goes by in a parade, REMAIN at attention when National Anthem is played at an event, say excuse me to gather someone’s attention or merely learning how to shake another’s hand ? After my oldest grandson came off the bus from his 1 st day at kindergarten, the bus asked, “what is wrong with your kid “ ? Diane, asked, “ why” ? “ No “ was the reply. “ I have never experienced this before . Your son came on the bus this morning, put out has hand and shook mine, saying that I am Aaron, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you “. Diane asked Aaron, “ where did you learn that” ? “ Grandpa said that when you meet someone for the 1 st time you shake hands and look that person straight in the eye “ !! Am I the intolerant one who still recalls when Roseanne Barr butchered and disgraced when she sang National Anthem while holding her crotch on 7/25/1990 at All Star Game in San Diego. I still have tears in my eyes from disgust-even suggested at a Toastmaster group that they should put her on a barge-pour gasoline-light a match-send her out to sea.
Even teach being responsible ? As in a COMMITMENT being a man if you produce a child whether married or not ? I CRINGE on ANY news story dealing with child neglect-“ where are the dads’ as we see only mothers. Someone once wrote who won a Pulitzer ? That the family is an economic unit where grandparents, non-family member’s raise the kids.
On Monday September 8/29 I slept in till 5:45 A,M,-horrors !! Sent out an e-mail to former customer’s, associates, family, friends that might have been affected by Irene. Prior to walk STARTED to shake-possible heart attack, stroke or worst case of heartburn ? Should we call 911 ? Then “ still in love at 1 st sight on 4/6/1968( married 4/26/1969)-met roller skating with 1200 church group-came with me a few days later on 1 st date to a Memorial Service for late Dr. King-said I was going to marry her-NY’rs move FAST“) mate and I talked-guess who decided to go have his once 4 cups of coffee as I added 5 scoops vs. 4 –addicted to caffeine ? In reality-really need a slight jolt such as 1 scoop per 2 cups. We sat and determined the cause. An “ inner voice “ on walk said, “ BE CAREFUL !! RELAX “ !!! S-L-O-W down !!! You do not have to be in a HURRY-you are retired-no rush to get home!! Re-connected again with a fellow walker. Within a few seconds can ask ???’s-find out about lives-a gift-despite my lowly B.A. compared to his M.S. in Theology( grad of Luther Seminary in St.Paul-had churches in Texas-then for some reason that I WILL learn-left ministry-received a Phd. How can one compare this to 911 ? TIME STOOD STILL !! Upon completion of walk then drove the 6 minutes to the NE corner of Lake Nokomis-who should I meet ? Another walker that I have built a relationship from last September on occasion-native of Thailand ( what a treat as in 1 st conversation he told me of his aging ? dad a few years older than me who has been affected by pollution-feared that he would die soon)
Might we also look at another 911 ? An attack internally on our soul that might cause physical problems including the EPIDEMIC of obesity where diabetes has terrorized and created massive health costs. Far reaching ? One of the greatest advantages of my 5 mile walk along with blessing of a blurred eye, chronic pain and leukemia is that EVERY moment is a blessing. I get to expect the unexpected.
“ Without question “ looking at 911 has been soul searching as well as a treat as I walk on the soles under my feet . Can you SPROUT( stop, pause, reflect, observe, understand, tolerate) and care more about cultures/lifestyles that are different from your own ? Can you FORGIVE others ? Can recall when we took daughter’s to home church in NY in 1979-former minister had become a playboy on Thurs/Fri night-asked to leave-new minister on 1 st sermon on Christmas Eve” the person who forgives 1 st wins “ !! Applies to the NOW ? Since 12/1997 I Have battled squirrels and English sparrows that have tormented my bird feeder and homemade suet holder. Will now use remainder of seed as well as experimenting with dried fruit rinds . Purchased a seed designed to rid sparrows( bird columnist in paper said that the sparrows will hit feeder searching for the seed/squirrels have a FANTASTIC taste for it-SHE WAS RIGHT). How interesting perhaps, guess what the 9/4 sermon was about a week before 911-forgiveness !!
My 8/30 jaunt was a blessing-once again-regardless of what you believe-is their a purpose in life ? Met a woman that I have spoken with. Belongs to a rare Catholic churche that does service in Latin. Now husband of 45 years has high blood pressure at age 64-numerous drugs-he is always tired-refuses to walk or exercise-have gone to 2 Dr.’s-stumped. Plus their 43 year old son had come down with mouth cancer some 7 years ago-removed some of it-told that it would come back-now has-he still drinks, smokes-starting to spread thoughout body. I said that I would pray for family- a simple saying.
Might we use 911 for personal growth ? Upon waking or planning your day DO YOU ALLOW EXTRA time for time ? Before ANY activity I am focused on taking THAT 5 mile jaunt. Must even do my stretching exercises giving by physical therapist after back went out 9/1/2010-6 physical therapy sessions from 9/27-11/22 ( thank you Medicare at $ 10.00 each session-after seeing back Dr. on 9/27-able to then get an appointment at a Sister Kenny ctr-at that time took 2 ½ hours to limp in PAIN on walk-told physical therapist that with the Abbott/Northwestern philosophy of “ bedside manner” and holistic approach to healing like when back went out in 5/1979 that I would get better-80 % improved-wife had worked there as a physical therapist from 1964 and even part-time till mid 80’s-youngest daughter and oldest grandson born there)
On 8/31 jaunt was reminded of what I call the –“30 second Canadian pause “ learned and appreciated from being 1 st Americans into Canada after 911-then friendliest of all travels UNTIL we discovered the Germans in 12/2001-praised a park worker-seasonal-within seconds found about cancer/ailments, then retired at 62-this year-a found out he was in Viet Nam-mentioned golf balls, Minnehaha creek-2 kids from local high school died-deep water off drop off-were drinking couldn’t swim( tried a Google search-no luck), turned on 43 rd-biker down-told an insulin attack-2 cops cars but spoke with a walker hadn’t seen in a year-asked about his grieving of dog that died-last year-gave a word of encouragement-then before swim as a result of better air quality-went up hill and down steps 9 times/up steps and then down thru grass on angle-no one in water-by chance-spoke to walker-made a comment about Brooklyn-don’t know why-he was a native-lived here since 1985-former Air Force-invited to church-he was born on 9/11/1950( how many have birthdays/anniversaries on that day? Joy yet a moment of reflection ? ) siad he did not look a day over 40-showed him back of car with Brooklyn Dodgers around license plates.
How many stories can come from walks especially now as we come closer to 911 ? On 9/1 jaunt-911 has taught me to be more AWARE of surroundings whether on a walk or doing anything-cautious ? Especially in Minneapolis where the real fear is getting run over by a biker/runner/jogger who does not pay attention since linked to electronics. Has 911 also made us appreciate how fragile life can be-we will be bombarded with last phone calls to loved ones. Did 911 also show the “ humanity and soul of NYC and surrounding area “ ? NY’rs might seem gruff and strongly opinionated but did we see their caring and compassion ?
Can 911 make us appreciate life more ? After 5 mile walk, climbing hill and steps before swim-came home and the after getting a flu shot that cancer Dr. insist I get 3 years ago-thwarts infection-haven’t had a sniffle in 3 years took 1 st jaunt into creek and out on to peninsula of the lake in 2 years as a result of flooding-instead of heading home-decided to take another swim-upon entering water-what should I hear a NJ accent-asked-no-Pa-go the other way-opps I failed-certaintainly did not sound Brooklynese-but it was-irony perhaps ? We spoke about 911. All from NYC must have a story-some not ? Knew of a friend on 35 th floor of 2 nd Tower-told no problem in evacuating-he had instincts-ran out before plane hit-at same time later 1 st grand child born. We will hear more and more stories of those who were either sick that day and would have worked at the Towers or might have some circumstance to have missed being in the Towers at the time of the crashes.
Can we go forward from 911 like our 70 th church celebration ? Are you MORE AWARE of diversity ? On 9/2( very unusual since NO AIRPLANE NOISE like that of pilot strike of 1998 or 911-even the quiet of being in the eye of a hurricane-a lull before wind would start to churn up again) jaunt had the pleasure again of meeting a fellow walker-unaware that his family were not natives of Bangkok-most assumed because of his last name that he was Muslim yet his family came from another part of Asia as he was raised in Catholic schools. Do we make quick judgments about a person’s last name without asking such as mine-once DuBois which is French Protestant Huguenot that settled Brooklyn in mid 1650’s but raised in Norwegian churches( during a divorce, my dad was found wandering Brooklyn by a Norwegian minister-got into scouting-met my mother). Mother wanted to be more gauche( changed name to duBois-more French ? Tell people I am as French as Bill Clinton is for family values. In other words, take time to ask about family. Explained as well that I prefer to purchase gas at local store run by 2 Palestinian immigrant brother’s who employ natives of Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia-like a U.N.
Are you more aware of other 911 terrorist attacks such as on body from “ over eating “ causing an obesity epidemic or increase in diabetes ? How many are also affected by RX side effects ? Possible to evaluate like TARGET does at age 66-through Medica Part B-one gets a FREE consultation for an hour. Fellow that I meet running up and down steps-has lost 40 lbs in last 2 years-had a heart attack several years ago-heart disease must be hereditary-both brother’s died in mid 30’sd-dad in 40’s-lost significant other in her 40’s who gave him 2 kid’s-as I climb side of hill in bare feet-then down steps-he races up and down steps-he has civility-also a Vet-takes ear phones out of ear-brief chats-compare health tips.
Will 911 make you appreciate or have you cherish relationships ? 12/7/1941 is on the horizon might we, like our church going forward from 1941 TAKE TIME to ask those who have lived through WW II-share memories. Though not a mile stone anniversary will we take time to recall when J.F.K. was shot on 11/22/1963 ?
After our car accident in 2/2002 as well as wife’s shoulder surgery, there was an ad in paper from a local liquor store 3 miles away promoting wine for $ 2.99-value $ 4.99. Decided then as a result of trauma-would have my surgeries a year later-to have a candle light dinner with the wine over an EXPENSIVE as well less than $ 3.00 steak. Price was raised to $ 3.99 for another brand-now found again from a supplier at $ 3.29 Objective-just sit and talk-only take phone calls from daughter’s or family. When warmer, moved to 3 season porch. What have we talked about ? Mostly thankful for family, health and planning trips. Might 911 be a sign to REST without being in a hurry ?
On 9/4 the air was still with no planes. My last of Sunday 5 mile , 6:30 A.M walks before we go to 8:00 A.M. and 10:30 A.M services on 911 was a delight !! Few people out ? Minneapolis a ghost town as a result of too many at Minnesota State Fair or going to lake cabins ? I paused to watch the seagulls catch the air as well as observe a red hawk enjoy the dawn sky at Lake Hiawatha. After service since too frigid to swim, put on rubber baseball cleats and went up the 80 ‘ hill and down steps 9 times. Having a few moments before driving to pick up youngest ,made a search of cousin who had died on www.birthdatabase.com as well as his late dad. Guess what date he was born 12/7/1951-how many who died on the 10 th anniversary of 911, had lived would be 60 on the 70 th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor ? Then got youngest who does not drive downtown- after lunch with mate took a 4 mile jaunt along both sides of Mississippi River. My wife and I also shared a memory of Lars. After our oldest who will turn 40 in late October( we are not old enough to have a daughter 40 ) we took her to visit Lars at St. Olaf college in Northfield, Minnesota in the spring of 1972 !! Diane reached for Lars mustache-he growled-Diane screamed-Lars then gave her a big hug and wiped away the tears, Where is that picture ? Then had the pleasure of oldest divorced daughter who was without grandson’s for dinner and conversation .Still hard to believe that we will have a daughter who will turn 40. Might 911 inspire us to appreciate family MORE ?
Can we go forward from 911 ? Do you take time for time ? Can you avoid electronics ? It is RARE from my upstairs perch when there is little airplane noise such as Labor Day morning before the sun comes up. When they were building or extending the runway at airport to accommodate more international flights as well as larger aircraft our home was right under their paths. They flew so low that our house would shake. Almost felt as though we could look inside windows and see what passengers were reading. Can the memories of 911 become a healer rather than divider for our country or even the world ?
Few were out on my 5 mile Labor Day trek . NO HURRY to get home. Then had the opportunity of having a picnic prepared by oldest with wife and youngest daughter along a Mississippi River park less than a mile N of Minneapolis that Diane had discovered. Grandson’s were with other grand parent’s and daughter’s X husband. A rare occasion to just be the 4 of us. A cherished MOMENT ?
911 will have many , many different meanings. Will there be answers ? Maybe, maybe not ? But then again ? Are we better off not knowing which adds to the mystery of life ? My heart goes out with daily thoughts, prayers, concerns for those affected. Aren’t we are all connected by a thread of human kindness that crosses ALL beliefs in thinking about caring for neighbors in need. Take time to stop, pause and reflect on the days leading up and following the anniversary of 911. Be aware of those who might have a connection. Take TIME to listen to the hurts or those who survived. The Labor Day rest of few airplanes is over as the noise comes into my upstairs perch. Can you sit and enjoy a QUIET moment such as putting feet up on a stool with window open-let your mind wander as well as wonder about affects of 911 ? Let it take off in millions of directions. What might be the most IMPORTANT factor in your thought’s ? The commitment and appreciation of family and relationships ? Why not !!!
· Footnote I hope to record my observations from walk and daily activities. Might you consider this exercise as well ? What will it accomplish ? Insight of your soul ? Interesting perhaps, is that we are planning a circle loop trip back to 9 th visit to SE corner in favorite state of Utah on 9/14-the same date that we crossed border into Canada 10 years ago. After EVERY trip since I started selling computer products over the phone in 8/1983 I have written an overview to share with customer’s.
Give blood-it’s the gift of life-the life you save may be your own-my CLL( chronic leukemia caught early on 7/7/2008 ) ?Have all energy back-lost over 30 lbs since 7/7/2010 when 3 mile walk extended to 5-now at 178-nothing to do with being OUTDOOR active ?( do 6-8 miles on a Sat/Sun) Former whole blood donor 5/1970-9/1997, double unit of platelets every 2 weeks 12/1997-6/2008(42 gallons/336 pints)
Raised in Glen Head , 27 ½ miles from Manhattan out on North Shore of L.I. Wife reared in Minneapolis where 80 % who walk around Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha or neighborhood have gone to the 3 local schools in Roosevelt, Washburn or South ( wife’s late dad, Doris and 2 daughter’s (Roosevelt) -both grandson’s will be in 9 th and 10 th grade at Washburn-hard to believe !!! time goes SO FAST !!!), Driven in all 50 states-49 twice(wife visited all 50 twice) -been within a 200/300 mile radius of all 48 from marriage of 4/26/1969, 3 trips to Alaska 1995/1999-drove 88ll miles in 20 days in 2004, 8 visits via 6 Germany/2 Norway since 1999-wife has taken 8 additional tours from 1999. Prior to marriage, I had hitch-hiked some estimated 30,000 miles from Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa to N.Y.C. , Minneapolis/St. Paul,Seattle, S.F. while wife had been to 47 states( her builder dad who’s homes will last longer than the Pyramids, took off in the summer), 8 week trip to Europe with friends in 1966( saved EVERDAY personal/vacation day to put into travel), 1967 to Hawaii.. Norwegians do not bury their dead with pockets-travel now why you have your health !!! Visited or hiked in 38 of U.S. 58 National Parks-Glacier in N.W. Montana only 10 times. Back to Canyonlands/Arches in S.E. Utah for only 9 th visit in mid September.
