Random Thoughts on 9/11

On Sept. 11, 2001 the world changed, and I was altered forever.  I don't speak of it much because I'm not alone in that, but for years I'd preserve my memories and emotions in handwritten diaries.  I don't need to preserve them for myself; I can close my eyes and return to that day (and the days that immediately followed) with crystal clarity and summon every detail.

Now I'm listening to the reading of the names -- a tradition I hope never will be abandoned.  In the early years, I felt they should've hired professionals to handle this solemn task because the readers invariably mangle some of the pronounciations.  But I've changed my mind over the years as waves of love from the victims' relatives wash over me.  They add short anecdotes that bring to life my fellow New Yorkers who did not survive and reassure me that I am not alone in my grief. 

This year, an 11-year-old girl read a section of names and concluded with the name of her father, adding that she missed meeting him by ten days.  She never knew her father, yet now she's a lovely young lady participating in his memorial.  There are many other young people like her this year -- paying tribute to deceased parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, people they love -- though they weren't even alive for the horrific event that brings them together today.  May they never have to experience anything like that!

On the footprint of the World Trade Center, tranquil pools have been erected and tourists throng by the thousands.  I haven't been able to bring myself to go down there to see the improvements yet.  (As unrealistic as it sounds, I'd have preferred they left the gaping hole in the ground so future generations could see what really happened.)   Whenever I was downtown, I loved dashing through the tower lobbies and cutting through the complex.  It had its own energy and was so impressive that after college, I declared I would work there someday.  (I did, very briefly, for the owner of the New Jersey Rams semi-pro football team, who had an office in the North Tower with a breathtaking view.)   I got my first NYC parking ticket at the World Trade Center, when I mistakenly left my red Pinto on a block where parking wasn't allowed until after 7 p.m.   Even the weekend before the attack, I drove around and through the World Trade Center in a bright yellow pick-up truck, joyously blasting pop songs and thinking that life couldn't get any better.  

Now I should be working and getting ready to meet the expectations of those who regard this as any other Tuesday.  The weather is beautiful, reminiscent of that fateful day 11 years ago.  Though life grinds on, I will never forget.

Happy Anniversary, William + Kate!

A year ago, it seems the entire planet was captivated by the royal wedding of the late Princess Diana's eldest son, William, and Catherine Middleton.  I confess, I got caught up in the fervor and was thrilled to have an invitation to a "royal wedding reception" that Friday evening to celebrate their nuptials.  The ladies were asked to come in semi-formal dress with headgear; I spent that afternoon at the hairdresser, primping and fluffing and having the handmade purple silk fascinator I'd purchased specifically for the occasion fitted amongst my curls.

The gala was hosted by "Margie, Queen of Stewarts" -- my sister's very British mother-in-law -- and it was a celebration, indeed.  Margie outdid herself!  She'd asked her sisters in England to send banners and flags bearing the smiling faces of the royal couple, which festooned her home.  Tents and heaters were installed outside to accommodate everyone on the eclectic guest list.  A tape of the entire event -- from guest arrivals to the wedding ceremony to the official "first kiss" on the Palace balcony -- was replayed on televisions upstairs and downstairs.  She served a delicious recreation of the wedding cake plus authentic British fare.

Best of all, the party guests were as delighted as I to be part of the celebration.  The festive spirit was infectious!  The love and emotion of the moment could not be denied.  Everyone was pulling for the royal couple to "live happily ever after."  We ate, drank, clapped and toasted -- and for a few brief hours, our own problems faded into the background as we shared William and Kate's hope and joy.

Today, I've poured a glass of wine and turned on the "telly" to watch the anniversary specials.  It's a pleasure to browse through my scrapbook of Margie's stateside royal wedding reception and savor the sweet memories of that day.  I'm a hopeless romantic, and I wish William and Kate the best of everything.  I believe in fairy tales...for if it can work out for them, perhaps it can work for the rest of us, too.

Perfect Start

I'm very happy to kick 2011 to the curb. I'm not celebrating its passing, but it's nice to be quietly counting down with NY1 and contemplating the future. Skip the champagne and kisses -- there are going to be some changes made, and that takes focus and resolve.

Happy New Year!