Hello, again, 9/11

15 years ago this morning.

We've spent the last 14 anniversaries reviewing how we feel about that day.

The family's of those who lost their lives had a personal loss.

The people who survived have memories that must be painful and surprising, given their continued movement from one step to the next, from one day to the next, and from one anniversary to the next.

Maybe they find themselves alive in that moment 15 years ago and are surprised when they realize it's 15 years later and time has continued apace.

Our country has had painful 'conversation' about the difficult questions we had the luxury to avoid for years because of our geographic location in the world and our military might.  

The media describes it as a tragic day.  Horrifying.  We remember and will never forget.  Painful, 

But, we gained as well.

Family's gathered together and continued to love.  

The World Trade Center was rebuilt with art and architecture and beauty.

We've had conversations that bring us together

We had reasons to learn about our neighbors - both in the community, the country, and the world.

People have expressed their joys.

We heard about the heroism of many on that day and the days that followed.

In the end there is still love, there is still beauty, and there is still peace.  Those are the wonders of the world that live on.  

***

We haven't figured everything out yet - but that's the process.  We continue searching for the best way to live in this world.  How do we stay safe and free at the same time?  How do we protect ourselves and share our resources at the same time?  How do we settle arguments with military might and diplomacy at the same time?  How do we get along with other countries, other people, when we have different goals and different beliefs?

I don't think these questions can be answered until each individual in the world feels valued.  

Then, they'll feel less fearful of sharing and accepting and loving.  

When we can rejoice in each person's individual life journey, we will have peace.

***

I've mentioned the idea of being valued in a couple recent posts (recent being relative).  

I can't imagine a person who values their own life would easily take another's life.

That goes for criminals and terrorists and individuals.