Looking Back on September 11th–Nineteen Years Later

Can you believe it’s been a full nineteen years since the terror-attacks of September 11th?

To me, that day will always be synonymous with fear, tragedy, horror, and change. Though terror reared its horrific head so close to home we saw the heroes, the resiliency of individuals/cities/nations, and let’s not forget the humanity and kindness surfaced.

The human spirit is strong and there was no way the people of New York City, or the world for that matter, would allow this attack on democracy and freedom, define them.

I remember that morning so clearly. My son was four months old and I went into the living room that morning to find my husband staring at the TV in disbelief–shaking his head.

“This is bad,” he said. “Really bad…”

Being on the west coast and therefore on Pacific Standard Time, we were three hours behind the east coast. By the time we turned on the TV the attacks had already happened.

As the truth revealed itself in time, all were horrified.

The planes stopped flying and the world paused for clarification.

It’s an event I’ll never forget. These experiences will be buried in my brain for the rest of my life and have become a part of who I am. While it’s history, it’s also memories, experience, and a defining moment for many. There was a loss of innocence that day and a redefining of how life would be lived.

Fast forward, and here we are with Covid and all the changes and havoc happening in a different way. It too is redefining us.

As writers, we’re not immune to these huge life events. As I’ve written before, our experiences affect us and our writing more than we realize.

Your work may also end up with:

1. the event as a backdrop.
2. an emotional event could lead to an exploration in self through poetry or non-fiction.
3. events may act as a trigger for PTSD or other mental issues.
4. events may act as a catalyst for new writing directions.
5. or you may begin with conspiracy theories, what ifs, time warps, go political or historical in research and slant.

The world, just like us writers, is constantly moving and morphing. We adjust to new normals and write our own realities. It’s not a carte blanche for articles inciting hatred, racism, or violence. Always keep in mind how powerful your words are–written and spoken.

I’ll always remember all those lost in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. And, now I look around the world to those suffering loss due to Covid 19–loss of family and friends, as well as the loss of normal. The only constant is change.

Stay safe. Be smart. Make good decisions.

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