Reflecting on Sept 11, 2001

Ten years ago, on an ordinary Tuesday morning, Rand and I were in the car going to work, waiting for a stoplight at the corner of Kanesville and 2nd St.  In my mind, I was reviewing my expectations for the day.  As was our custom, we were listening to the Today Show while on our way to work.

We heard the story about the twin towers as it unfolded, but the  Today Show hosts seemed confused by the reports. Perhaps confused is not the correct word. Incredulous is probably closer. It was unthinkable that planes had deliberately flown into these buildings.  There must be a mistake.   The destruction was too much for them to describe.  During the day, the stories were repeated again and again in an effort to make sense of those few moments. 

In looking back on the day, I realize that no day is ordinary and that each day has possibilities for either good or evil.

One of my gifts

This week, I discovered one of my gifts in the midst of a meltdown -- or maybe I just named it. Yes, I had a meltdown at work when I was trying to maneuver my scooter, misjudged my spacing, misjudged my speed and wiped out some plastic file holders. It made a terrible crash, but no one was injured and for that I am grateful. I just had to leave the mess for my coworkers to clean up and I retreated to the break room to get coffee and pull myself together.

A coworker was there to get coffee also. She hadn't heard the commotion I caused and asked the simple question, "So how are things going for you today?" My tears started to flow and I just couldn't stop myelf. She hugged to comfort me and shed a few tears herself.

My discovery is that one of my gifts is compassion. I have internalized so many of the distresses that others have shared with me. People tell me the most amazing things about the hurts, trials and losses that they've experienced. I wonder if there is a sign on my forehead that says, "Tell me your troubles. They are safe with me and together we will see if we can figure out a solution."

Others see me as a strong person....... and I guess I am because I know that God is there supporting me along the way. I always remember that God's got my back. Sometimes I need another person to be God to me....... "God with skin on," and that's who my friend and coworker was this week.

Thanks, Fancy...... from your friend Pants.