Does a linear line in time that stretches out for a decade change how we perceive a life-changing incident like 9/11?
Ten years should make it easier to cope with the anniversary, but the 10-year mark seems different. Harder.
In 2001 I was running for my life to escape the monstrous terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. I lived just three buildings south of the towers, so like many people, I can never forget.
On past 9/11 anniversaries I climbed to the roof of my apartment building and stood quietly as the families of the victims read their names below me. With them I remembered the moments so deeply carved into our lives. Last year I moved away from Ground Zero to a different part of the city, so this time I planned to join a large group for a memorial service.
Because it’s the 10th anniversary, people are putting greater significance on the day. Chief among the events – the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial to honor the nearly 3,000 people who died.
At 6:30 this morning I was dressed and ready to go to a memorial service at St. John’s University two blocks north of the tower site. A teleconference from Munich by the Community of Sant’Egidio was bringing together people from the great religions around the world for a big meeting of peace.
As I prepared to leave my apartment, I stopped. My metro card was missing, my little chihuahua was surprisingly sick and throwing up; things felt off, wrong. I decided to stay home. And that’s OK. We must trust our instincts and deal with this day the best we can.
I have pieced my life back together, for the most part. Getting inspiration from one of my favorite philosophers, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, I try to lead with optimism and believe we can create a better world. Dr. Ikeda says, Buddhism teaches the purpose of life is to be happy, and that it’s our challenge to turn the negative events in our lives into positive ones. We can turn “poison into medicine.”
So unless a fire truck zips by blaring its sirens or something else triggers the memories, I am alright.
Except on this day, 9/11.
Ten years ago the morning sky was bright blue; the air crisp.
Today it’s overcast and dull.
Ten years should make it easier.
It doesn’t.
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