(taken near 3rd Avenue and DeGraw Street, Brooklyn, New York, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006)
If you're interested in my opinion about the politics of 9/11, you can read what I wrote last year. But when it comes down to what it means personally, what we should take away from it five years on, my friend Hiro said it best:
On this 5th year anniversary, I want to remind myself and those around me of what 9.11 really taught us -- to be human and care about others. That little things do not matter, and we are fortunate to be alive. That others' suffering, no matter who they are, hurts us. That we can, without shame or embarrassment, be nice and kind to strangers. That despite all that has happened, and all that is going on, we can still be happy.
I hope that this reaches you in good health, and that you and your loved ones are safe and happy.
That would be my prayer in the wall today, for all of us, in New York and everywhere.
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To all the writers who read this great blog…
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor at the lake lives in Washington DC and has an important job with the UN and US government. On Labor Day Weekend, right before 9/11 he said the most profound thing to me. He said, “For years I’ve watched you writing your children’s books on the dock, at the beach and on your deck. I thought about this vision all year, during my many speeches, appointments, conferences etc. etc. I think one of your kind, dear books could do more for the world to promote peace than my lifetime of work.” Seven days later it was September 10. He was living in a tank in Afghanistan, trying to negotiate peace after 9/11. I spent the next year wondering if he was alive and if I’d see him the following summer. The bottom line is, for the last five years, I’ve considered his words with every book I’ve written. When I get a rejection letter with a comment like, “not enough angst” it doesn’t bother me one bit. And it has been another reason for me to “keep writing”. This Labor Day weekend I gave him my new book, promoting a kinder world. He was thrilled and honored . Smart Scholastic CA published it.
Amen.
ReplyDeleteBest thoughts,
Marilyn
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