Dates never forgotten…

This week we remember September 11, 2001. 

In the novel, A Tale of Two Cities © is the contrast, “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times…” both occurring at the same time.  For many Americans, 9/11/2001 seems like a demarcation point between the best of times before that morning and the worst of times after.  That’s when terrorism literally collided into freedom.

Do you remember where you were when news and the images of the planes crashing into the World Trade Centers in New York City were broadcast?  I always will.  In a flash Americans were once again tested on what we can endure during the worst of times. 

Today, compared to calamities in other parts of the world, Americans’ issues don’t seem so immense.  Thankfully human resiliency is amazing: 

Life breaks us.  And when we heal, we’re stronger on the broken parts. 

                   Ernest Hemingway 

Yes, we are facing threats to our way of life; and indeed many of our life’s ways need to change.  We are strong enough to face these threats because we come from generations of strength - families who struggled to make for this country, for their loved ones, and for themselves the best of times.  Like past generations, Americans today will re-earn the better things in life.  We can start by remembering: 

To really enjoy the better things in life, one must first have experienced the things they are better than. 

Oscar Holmolka 

Our country has been near the breaking point and healed back stronger for as long as we have been a country.  December 7, 1945 tested my parent’s generation; October 29, 1929 tested my grandparents’.  On a more personal level April 20, 1999 was the worst of times in my town.  What other dates are never forgotten for you? 

Throughout all of it we are reminded: 

The First Rule of Life: 

The best things in life aren't things. 

              Unknown Sage             

America endured and grew stronger by overcoming those life-changing events known as 9/11; Black Tuesday; Pearl Harbor; Columbine; and others.  Today once again American must endeavor to endure; overcome; and re-unite. 

We will succeed, too… because we have never forgotten.                                 

GAP 

When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.