Monday Mission 2.36 via PromoGuy dot net
1. Where were you and what was happening in your life the moment when you
first became aware of what was happening at the World Trade Center in New York
City last September 11th? What was the first thing you did when you heard the
news? My mom called me around 10:30, waking me up, asking if I was alright. It was a tuesday, so I didn’t have class till 11:30, so I wasn’t up yet. She told me what happened, asked if I was ok a million times cause it was totally possible that they would bomb universities and other places where there were lots of people gathered in one area. I calmed her down and proceeded to gape at the tv screen until it was time to go to class. I figured we’d do something to honor the day, but I wanted to feel normal. Besides, I never skipped class unless I had a track meet. I didn’t cry, mostly cause I couldn’t believe it was happening. I watched the second tower fall. My teacher ended up just talking to us for a while (ironicallly, it was my sensation & perception class, so we still got a bit of a psych lesson) then let us go home. The chancellor sent an all-campus email telling us classes were cancelled for the day, and I went to a prayer vigil during lunch. Which is amazing… cause I never usually do things that are overtly religious.
2. When those truly responsible for the attack are apprehended, what do
you think would be the most fitting form of justice? I can’t even think about it. I’m not against capitol punishment, but I don’t think even that’s enough for the perpetrators to suffer.
3. This will probably be much like when our parents respond to “Where
were you when JFK was shot?”- an event never forgotten by those who were there.
But how do you think the history books should present the 9-11 attacks?
Should it be included for all future generations? How can we truly convey the
shock, the outrage, the emotions and pain of that day to the children of our
children? Of course it should be included. It changed the way a nation behaves. I don’t think anyone who wasn’t there could truly understand what happened, and how it felt, just like I don’t feel I can really understand what it felt like to be in NY at that time. Thank God I didn’t have any loved ones there.
4. No one in that building, in the Pentagon, or on the planes (other
than the terrorists) knew that 9-11 would be their last day to be alive. For me,
it brought home the reality that I could be gone at anytime, without any
warning. Now, I really want each day to have some value. Did the events of
9-11 bring about a change in the way you live your life? Well, they curtailed some of my freedom. They made going to the airport a major pain in the ass. And it may sound heartless, but I hate how “9-11” has become a common phrase and it’s brought into everything. Not that I think it should fade away, but it doesn’t need to be in every heartfelt speech.
5. Several who loved to fly in planes will not step foot in one
anymore. Many parents are more protective of their children. A year later, do
you find yourself feeling more secure than back then? Or is it just a matter of
time before something else happens? I might be cynical or just plain stupid, but I never felt all that unsafe. I mean, it was terrifying, but unbelieveable. And besides…who’d want to blow up St. Louis anyway? There’s not too much here. Although I would cry like a baby if the Arch was suddenly gone.
6. The best way for me to honor the those impacted by the attack will
be to refrain from any media that day. No papers, no radio and especially no
television. Others will light candles, and others will attend special services.
What, if anything, will you do to personally reflect on the tragedy? I think I will light a candle. I have to go to work, listen to lab meetings, etc. I think it will be rather normal for me, for as I’ve said, it didn’t touch me personally. I don’t know if there will be a service on campus; I probably couldn’t make it to one at church; I know I will think of it all day. And probably for the rest of my life. I never got to visit the Twin Towers, and I sincerely regret that. I think it will be a case of Chris-I broke up with him years ago, yet nearly every day I think of him. So much in my life was connected to him in some way, I can’t avoid it. Like I can’t avoid the fact that there is a significant part of American History no longer there. Someday I’ll visit NY and see the memorial.
7. One of the visuals that touched me the most were the walls and
walls full of hand made “Missing” posters. What image will you always have in
your mind when you recall the events of 9-11? I will never forget watching the tower fall. and being in the prayer circle, asking why and sending whatever comfort I could to the victims-and trying desperately not to say they’re in a better place. I really dislike patronizing platitudes.
BONUS: Who’s gonna come around when you break? Hopefully a friend.