Monday, September 11, 2006

A Day to Remember

I wasn't really sure how I wanted to spend today. Part of me really wanted to go to Ground Zero (New Yorkers now prefer to call it "The Sight"). Part of me didn't want to go there. I think I waited too long to ask someone to go with me and I did not want to go alone. But I still wanted to do something to remember all the people who lost their lives in such a terrible event. Living in California I didn't know 1 person who had been in either of the Twin Towers, or the Pentagon, or on any of the planes. Having lived here for just 2 months, I've met a handful of people who had a loved one who either made it out alive or didn't. It's makes me think everytime I go anywhere around here that I may be brushing shoulders with someone who was directly effected by the events of that horrific day. New York City always has a more heightened level of security (you know the red, orange, yellow scale) than anywhere else in the country. So, for the last 2 months, everything has become more real to me. Signs everywhere that say "If you see something, say something" and the number for Homeland Security. So, back to Ground Zero, or The Sight, I didn't go there today, but I was just there last week. I knew of a 9/11 Memorial in Westport, CT (where Martha Stewart lives by the way). I decided that visiting that memorial would be more private and I had never been there.




















It was very solemn. The memorial looks out into the Long Island Sound toward Manhattan. I just sat there for almost an hour people-watching, wondering who was like me and just there to see. Who was there because their loved one died? Who was visiting because they had survived? Some people just stared at all the names blankly. Some broke down and wept. Some only shed one tear. But everyone walked to the edge of the Sound and stared toward Manhattan as though they were looking for the Twin Towers.
















The Twin Towers were once visible from where the Memorial now sits, and 9/11/01 visitors to the park could see smoke from the towers. This map gives you a general idea of where the CT memorial is in relation to Manhattan. (Blue circle= memorial, yellow circle=Manhattan)
















People today are a little more jumpy when they hear a plane overhead. But they are also a little kinder than usual. After I walked around the park for awhile, I sat in my car and prayed and read the Bible. Here are some verses that stood out to me.
Psalm 10:14 "But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless."
Psalm 5:4-6 "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors."
Lamentations 3:32 "Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love."
John 16:22 Jesus said "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

A very fitting way to spend the day ... those verses help to give us a different perspective on bad things that happen. Thanks, Shavonne.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about today. I agree with Lydia; it was a very fitting way to spend the day. It doesn't seem like it happened 5 years ago...it seems far more fresh than that. The verses upon which you meditated are so appropos, and I'm encouraged that you turned to the Lord on this distressing day. It reminds me of what I need to do... daily. Thanks, hon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Shavonne,

Wow! Good for you girl. I am unable to watch any of the newes or anything pertaining to 9/11 and there you are, right in the heart. I'm sure it's much much more real being in NY today and everyday. I can still remember what I was doing and when I realized what actually was taking place and that it was REAL. We were in that Trade Center Rick, the boys and myself almost one year earlier, it was 9/12/00 and remember vividly the whole area. We actually ate our first NY pizza a few doors down from the Trade Center and have a picture of us holding up our pizza so it can droop down. Now that place is gone. I've often thought of going back and seeing the area now. Can you post a picture? I am proud of you Shavonne, for your courage and strengh and especially your faith. Keep plugging away and never give up your dream unless the Lord is clearly showing you that He has something else in mind for you.

Love you,
Ginny

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweetheart,

I hope you do not mind me sharing what you have written here...it has touched my heart immensely. You have a way of putting things into words that make you think of things in a different perspective. I am so proud of you, what you are doing and how you are growing. The pictures you have shown us are very sobbering. You see it on the news but I feel coming from someone you know that is there during this memorial time makes it even more sobbering. I love you and my prayers are always with you. Take care...Hugs and a kiss, Aunt Pam

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweetie, thanks for making the day more meaningful by your up close and person view. Tears still fall when viewing the devastation of this event. How much more so to actually be there and feel the sorrow of so many. God places us in certain situations to help us grow - so I feel He has led you there to expand your talents even more by this experience. He will use that talent for His glory even more as time goes on. Love G-ma

Anonymous said...

Shavonne,
I think this was my favorite perspective on this tragic day. Nicely done! It really touched my heart. Blessings, Jann