Reflections on 9/11/2001- 13 years later

Today I am grateful for the people in my life. I am grateful because although everyone  I knew 13 years ago today knew at least one person who was in Manhattan, the majority of stories I heard was 'how impossible it was to get home' type of stories. A couple of near misses, people trapped on the subway, and one truly exhausting-just-to-hear-it trek all through Manhattan and Brooklyn to get home are what I heard over the next week. There was incredible loss that day, but the people of my area- they showed their strength! By donating undergarments to the rescue workers, by reminding each other how lucky we were to be here, by showing small acts of kindness to everyone because life is too short. I did hear my share of harrowing stories from those who live closer to the city than I do. The heart of the people in my city and on my island- it is pure gold. The rude, rushing, obnoxious reputation is the tough, gruff exterior to our amazing giving hearts. So today I am grateful for the humanity of the people of New York City and the surrounding areas- because despite tragedy we found something to hope in and be thankful for.

The Indomitable Spirit

 

This picture makes me smile every time I see it! It is so funny to think that one so small is almost threatening one so huge. But then I got to thinking. You see, my youngest, my energizer bunny, he has always thought he was fast. In fact- he isn't. But he loves cheetahs and emulated running 'cheetah' fast as a small child. Even when he raced with the other kids at the bus stop and lost every single time, he would race again to get that energy out. He never got discouraged because he came in last. He would say," Wow Mom, X is fast!" 

This child would see the comparison between himself and his friend, but it never defined him. He raced for the sake of racing. He sees others strengths as simply that- their strengths. He does not see his own lack in the presence of the strength of others. He also seeks out the best aspect of those around him. It helps him to stay positive when he sees so many people with so many good things going for them.

Well that is the way he saw things as an elementary student. Now he has hit High School- all perceptions have changed. But he still sees his strengths and weaknesses as his and not having to do with anyone else's. 

As much as I want to be able to take credit for teaching him this, I can't. Not totally. Having an older brother who has a slight physical disability and ASD, and needing to explain that not everyone is good at everything in respect to his brothers issues- that helped him learn this very valuable lesson.