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It seems that 9/11 seems more than a commemoration of just that tragic day years ago. So much since has happened that makes it serve as a compelling symbol of all that has gone wrong in our world. So, I write in commemoration of the lives lost in the tragedy of 9/11, reflecting on the heartbreak and heartache around the world --- from natural diasters, for families suffering with soldiers and family members lost in the IRAQ WAR and AFGHANISTAN, the genocide in places like Nigeria and other places of violence and suffering, as well as other great losses and anguish around the world wherever it exists. I've continued to revisit one of the truths in life each year as the memories stack up and again tug at my consciousness. I heard
Ethel Kennedy, wife of Bobbie Kennedy, capture the essence of it one time in an interview. Referring to how their family had recovered from so much tragedy, she said with a couageous smile,
"After a storm, the birds sing."
I later wrote an article, After a Storm, the Birds Sing, as a 9/11 commemorative contribution that incorporated stories about the strength of all life to begin again. Below is an excerpt of from the story that exemplifies this strength. May it inspire YOU. I am posting it again, because it speaks the words of my heart:
"Some years back, Sally, my best friend of 43 years, and I teamed up with our close friend, Emily, to start hiking. Together, we set out eagerly to explore the outdoors. In a relatively short time, we had climbed most of the notable peaks in our area and began new, more challenging climbs in more exotic places. The hikes soon became more than exercise and experiencing the outdoors. We used them to learn about ourselves and spent time at the top, and later over coffee, talking about the lessons we had learned. Soon, we invited new friends, daughters and sisters to join us. Over time, we helped each other solve life problems, think through work challenges, build new dreams and celebrate many victories in our lives, including those of making it to the top of those glorious mountains, where all things seem possible.
Just before Christmas, a few years ago, Emily received word from her sister, Celeste, that her husband was gravely ill. The worst possible news was soon confirmed: he had perhaps a few days — or maybe a few weeks — to live. There was a helplessness as one looked on to see the torrent of grief sweep through all their lives. I watched big sister, Emily, mobilize, garnering all the human strengths she possessed to share her sister’s burden: intellect, commanding presence, know-how, influence, clout, and deep love of family. The other sisters and brothers came together across the distance to support her. Reports came that close-by friends were surrounding Celeste with their goodness.
Across the country, we all knew Celeste from her visits with Emily — devoted wife and stay-at-home mom with three young children. Her husband, Bill, had provided well for his family and took
care of everything in Celeste’s life for her. This gift of love soon became a terrifying reality of unknowns. With the sudden loss and the weight of many responsibilities, it was inconceivable to me to imagine the level of strength and courage it would take for Celeste to put her shattered life back together, get through Christmas with three young kids, take on the leadership of the family, and go on to start anew. With a lot of love around her, she made it through.
Shortly after Bill’s passing, Emily gifted Celeste with a week of renewal with the children. Plans for the week included a hike up one of our favorite mountains. Our little hiking group agreed to take the journey with Celeste, which was our first time to personally connect with her as a group of friends since Bill died. Not long into the hike, I realized that the experience of walking with her, listening to her, and watching her would be a lesson about courage that would stay with me. Now and then, I come across her picture at the top of that lofty peak and reflect on the nurturing experience of that day we all spent together. Seeing her boldly standing on top of the world in itself is a monument to the human spirit that lies within all of us: The choice we make to go on when life deals us an unexpected defining moment — a choice to give up or begin again.
So, in commemoration of the gift of life demonstrated in all the tragedies and joys of this past year throughout the world— life in all its forms so precious, so fleeting — may we all reflect on the defining moments we are given — the ones that have called us to have faith in the power we have within to make the choice to go on.
Do you have an inspiring story to tell?
May you be blessed...
Warm regards to all...
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
www.globaldialoguecenter.com
Home of Women in the Lead
author, Putting Our Differences to Work
Twitter: @debbekennedy
