Eternal Rest, Remembering September 11:
Where Do We Go From Here?
by
Joann
Natalia Aquino
"Prayer exists. Love for each other exists. And, hope continues to float..."
I Mahal NY
"A Tribute in Lights" in
New York City. (Skyline from the New Jersey side)
(photo rights unknown. do not republish)
World Trade Center in New York City, pre-September 11,
2001.
(photo rights unknown. do not republish)
It is a day and time in history we will never forget, Tuesday, September 11, 2001, 8:46 am.
9/11 has forever transformed us. It's a day that changed the course of our history. The heartbreak was almost too much for most of us to endure. Yet we're still here. Though shaken, still standing.
Since the September 11th tragedies, our life has shifted everlastingly. For most part, we are stronger; we became more compassionate, thoughtful, empathetic, loving, peace-seekers, yes, in other words, more human.
A year later, are we still the same?
Many of us, through television news, newspaper, or other forms of media, witnessed the minute-by-minute accounts of this tragic event. Some of us were even there and lived it. Though, regardless of where we were, we were all affected with this tragedy and the continuing repercussions of that unforgettable day.
The September 11th tragedies touched all our hearts in different ways. Though for most, it was personal.
For me, New York has a very special place in my heart. For those who know me well, I've always considered this place as my second home. A place where the city opened its arms to me, and a town where the community has embraced me warmly. This is my home away from home.
Before I left New York last summer 2001, on an attempt to permanently move to the East Coast, World Trade Center was always my exit from the New Jersey PATH. Each day, on my way to my destination or before going home, I would always roam around the Center, browsing through the shops or have dinner around the area. Nevertheless, my most memorable moment at this place was spending time on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center at the Windows of the World Restaurant and Bar with someone special in my life. Knowing that I would head back to Seattle that month, we decided to spend time together and enjoy the view of the WTC, both for the first time, that evening.
Gazing at this wonder and the view of the Statue of Liberty distance away, we listened to the music while sipping our cocktails, people watching, and yes, even laughing and dancing the night away. We took pleasure in that moment not realizing that would be the last time I would set-foot at the World Trade. At one point, I wanted to have our picture taken with the splendid view on the background, but similar to how he thought, I figured we would have other opportunities to have our photos taken inside the tower. After leaving the Windows of the World, in silence, we sat outside in the World Trade Plaza by the fountain, once again not knowing that moment will be the last memory of the World Trade Center for me.
But oh, what a great memory it was. And that's exactly how I want to remember the World Trade Center in my mind. Good thoughts only, I was taught. Good thoughts also, you can carry with you.
Since September 11, 2001, we've heard many life stories that have moved us. Though we are still grieving and sorrowful for the loss, and though we are still weary and in pain, we refuse to be broken.
Each of the over 3,000 lives lost during that tragedy also symbolizes us: the firefighter, the police officer, the food vendor, the waitperson, the stockbroker, the chef, the janitor, the shopkeeper, the sales clerk, the investment banker, the government employee, the shoeshine fellow, the CEO, the secretary, the barista, the flight attendant, the pilot, the pastor, the teacher, the children.
Like us, they too were a mother, father, wife, husband, daughter, son, sister, brother, and someone's significant other. They had dreams, visions, a future.
Through us, their life stories continues, and their lives did not perish in vain. We are still standing today strengthened by the radiance of their light, as well as through each of our prayers.
On this year's anniversary of the September 11th tragedies, we encourage you to make 9-11 a time to reflect on peace and healing. Though each day is different, and discussions of war are taking place, we should stand firmly and know that war is not the answer.
A quote by Martin Luther King Jr. states, "Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means." This powerful statement solidifies why people in various communities gathered together out of a mutual feeling that our grief was not a cry for war.
We ask you to join us in commemorating 9-11 as a time to pursue peace
unto others and healing within and outside in our communities.
One year later, how has your life shifted from this tragic event? How
has 9-11 impacted your life and the global community? What are the ways
we, as a community and as an individual, can heal and turn a tragedy
into something good?
September 11 was about people. Right now, it is still about people. In the end, that is all that really matters.
What did we learn from this?
I learned that each moment is sacred. Each minute is important. Our choices in life affects us all, hence, we are all interconnected. Though I may not know you, your choices affect my life, and vice-versa. And though nothing is usual anymore, and even if nothing is certain as we seek normalcy in life, the possibilities are still endless. Endless possibilities, I will always believe in that. That I can trust on.
What else did we learn from this tragedy?
Prayer exists. Love for each other exists. And, hope continues to float.
After all, it has timely been proven that good still prevails over
evil.
Please give peace a chance.
Blessings and healing to us all. Let us always remember and never forget
September 11.
(Article originally published at Filipino American Herald on September 2002. Republished with permission from the author and Editor-In-Chief of Filipino American Herald.)
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©Copyright 2002. Joann Natalia Garcia Aquino. All rights reserved.
To reach the author, please e-mail: joannnatalia@newfilipina.com, editor@newfilipina.com.
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