the voices of 9/11
Getting the Voices site together is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I didn't just post the contributions, I've read every single one. They were put there, unedited, unrevised, just as the authosr sent them, with all the emotion and tears that went into writing them.
I still don't know what I'm going to do to today. I know I'll be going to the cemetery at some point; in addition to visiting the resting place of Pete Ganci, I will also visit the place in the cemetery where the other local victims of 9/11 are buried, gathered together. After that, the day will stretch out before me and I'll be thankful for it.
I'll think about that day and remember everything; the silent sky, the smells, the streets at night glowing with candles lit by grieving neighbors.
At night we'll be going to Brooklyn Heights to get a clear view of the blue lights that will rise upward once more from the place where the World Trade Center buildings once stood.
I'll keep looking at the sky during the day, as if waiting for it all to happen again. I'll shudder at the sound of low-flying planes. I'll hug my children. A lot.
I'll read the paper and watch a little television and remember, and vow to never forget, to never let it go, but at the same time, to move on. To live and cherish and hope, always hope, for a better tomorrow.
There are so many voices to be heard, people yearning to get their stories out, to share their thoughts, to find some company in their grief, which is still as fresh as the day it cut through our hearts. Take in their voices, listen to them, mourn with them and then vow with me that there will be a better tomorrow, one where we no longer look at an airplane slicing through the clouds as a potential weapon, where we no longer fear the next big thing.
What would the voices of the 3,000 people who died on September 11, 2001 say to us if they could speak? I imagine they would tell us not to forget them, to carry them with us wherever we go. And they do speak to us, in a way. They speak to us through our hearts, just as my grandmother and my grandfather and friends and loved ones who have left this world do. Unlike my relatives, though, those 3,000 people belong to all of us. They are our legacy because they died representing us; representing freedom and life.
Life goes on. We carry with us memories, and not all of them are good ones. It is our duty to take the painful memories with us as we move along so we do not forget that we still have so much to learn from life.
*****
Thank you to everyone who helped out on Voices and to those who contributed and/or linked to the project. It will remain in its place for the foreseeable future.
Comments
May our friends rest in peace.
Posted by: Geoffrey Gonzalez | September 10, 2003 11:47 PM
i will think of you
as i make my own way tomorrow
be well
sweet lady
Posted by: rossi | September 11, 2003 12:02 AM
Beautifully, well said
Thank You Michele
Posted by: MGlazer | September 11, 2003 12:21 AM
Just a few hours ago, I was sitting here at the computer and I got up twice to look out the window when I heard a jet come over. It was lower than usual and it came by twice. Granted, I don't live that far from the Philly Airport, but I doubt I'll ever heard a jet engine that sounds the slightest bit different that doesn't make me go look.
I didn't used to get a knot in my stomach when planes flew lower than normal...but, God, I do now. And, my thoughts about it aren't worrying about it hitting me or where I am, they're more along the lines of "Lord, if that thing goes down, how can I help those people?"
I'd like to save the life of the next Todd Beamer.
"Let's roll"...indeed.
Posted by: Stevie | September 11, 2003 12:34 AM
Dear Michele-
Thank you so much for your hard work and devotion putting this project together. I know that it has not been easy for you and that the job hasn't been made easier by the creeps and cretins out there who have taken it upon themselves to criticize you for doing it.
My hat is off to you. As a blogger. As an artist. As a person. As a Voice.
I really meant it when I told you that you are one of my heroes.
Much love,
D
Posted by: David Strain | September 11, 2003 12:49 AM
Thank you Michele.
You've done an amazingly difficult thing and we've all benefited because of it. I'm going to try to work my way through the Voices throughout the day. Thank you for bringing all of us together like this.
You astound me.
Posted by: Sunidesus | September 11, 2003 01:50 AM
Thanks, Michele, for a job well done. For myself, searching around the net for 9/11 resources has provided both escape and consolation. I hope the URL's I sent to you were helpful to you and others. For you "infomaniacs" out there who would like to view a good collection of resources for any reason you can head over to Gary Price's Resource Shelf at http://www.resourceshelf.com
Feel free to contact me for resources at
} fd10801 at myway dot com { , or even just to rant or vent -- I can handle nut jobs, it's what I do for a living.
Posted by: Frank DiSalle | September 11, 2003 06:53 AM
Many Small Victories make one Big One.
Posted by: Flex Flint | September 11, 2003 06:59 AM
Michele,
Thank you for taking on this daunting task with such dignity. While it may be great to be able to go about our lives, it is imperative that we remember this day.
Posted by: Val Prieto | September 11, 2003 07:33 AM
Michele,
Thank you...A nation's heroes serve in different way - what you have done with Voices is truely heroic. Know you will be in my prayers today.
Posted by: PJ | September 11, 2003 07:39 AM
I've been thinking of you for some time as today approaches. There are no words for what I want to say, just tears. Voices is a good thing - thank you for doing it.
Posted by: Christine | September 11, 2003 08:21 AM
Michele, let me add my appreciation for all you've done to remember this day. Thank you.
Posted by: Dave | September 11, 2003 08:31 AM
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Posted by: Thomas Vago | September 11, 2003 08:59 AM
Thank you, Michele.
Posted by: Forkum | September 11, 2003 09:10 AM
thanks michele.
Posted by: Jenna | September 11, 2003 09:55 AM
My heart is still broken but you all have made the jagged edges just a little less sharp. I am not alone. Thank you.
Posted by: SondraK | September 11, 2003 11:11 AM
You have done a stunning job... I plan on spending the day reading the stories and reflecting on the day.
Posted by: Rachel in Alaska | September 11, 2003 11:53 AM
Thanks, Michele. Well done.
Posted by: Troll King | September 11, 2003 01:10 PM
Thank you Michele. Once again, you have proven our own voices.
Posted by: Stephen | September 11, 2003 02:44 PM
Thank you for all of your hard work...
Posted by: Psycho Dad | September 11, 2003 04:29 PM
I think they would say.. its about time you let us rest in peace, and carried on with your lives.. we maybe dead, but please dont dread on it, your alive, let our deaths teach you to enjoy the life you have... Dont forget us or that day.. but forgive and move on. We know you love us and miss us.. and we are here watching over you... LIVE YOUR LIFE and be happy.
Posted by: Jefferey McDowell | September 11, 2003 04:43 PM
Wonderful stuff. It's such a maudlin day in Oregon. I can't imagine how it is in NYC today.
I teared up when I heard the kids reading the names of the dead, and saying goodbye to mommie, etc.
Thanks again for all your hard work here.
Posted by: Rob Salzman | September 11, 2003 05:11 PM
Just curious. Prior to 9/11, where was all the outrage each year on April 19? In case you may have forgotten, that was the day in 1995 that anti-government extremists blew up the Murrah building in Oklahoma. For six years it was the worst terrorist attack on American soil. 168 people lost their lives, and over 800 people were injured.
I can understand how 9/11 has overshadowed that dark day in American history, but I'd really like to know why -- during the intervening period -- the victims of 4/19 were not even accorded 5 percent of the grief we see today. Where are the online memorials for them?
Posted by: Stan | September 11, 2003 10:59 PM
Thank you for posting this. I'm glad Suzi showed me your blog, because I was feeling all alone in wanting to remember this day!
Posted by: Carrie | September 12, 2003 12:38 PM