Living Life After September 11th

I remember a lot of that day eleven years ago, but more about the days after. Vividly, violently confronted with the previously unimaginable, people in the NY metro area clung to each other in their horror and grief. From this vulnerability came tenderness and kindness.

In the days-weeks-months that followed, I remember reading reports on how many took definitive actions. Actions that affirmed who you were, what you believed in, and what you wanted from your precious, remaining days here on this earth.

Some enlisted, others made life decisions they had been dallying with, deciding to marry-or divorce; to have children, or to change jobs. Six weeks after the attacks we bought a house.

Last year the media here was brutal, beating the sensationalistic drum for the tenth anniversary remembrance for a month before. Inescapable, I was conflicted and angry-what, I'm not sad or grief-stricken enough? and guilty-with such close proximity to NYC, how was I spared any direct loss? and how can whatever I feel be of any importance, compared to what the friends and families of those that were killed have to live with every day?

Loss, grief and ways of coping are all very personal. While I respect and honor others' feelings, and their time table, being passively sad does not work for me. I am 54 years old now....I see things differently than I did 12 years ago. I don't want to waste any of these wonderful gifts: time, and waking up every morning with oxygen in my lungs.

My good friend Heather does a 9-11 memorial stair climb, where she reads the names of those that were killed, and prays for the, while climbing 110 flights on the Stairmaster. I like that a lot. And I love that more and more this time of year calls attention to service.

As much as we wish otherwise, we cannot change the past, we can only shape the future. Using the memory of that terrible time can collectively spur us on to make better days, and help us to live our best life on September 12th...January 10th...April 30th...etc. Taking action. Giving back. Putting the focus on what we can do.

Each and every one of us can 'do' something, even if it's quiet prayer, or sharing a kind word or gesture with a stranger. Those here in the Hudson Valley looking for a more substantial connection could find it in The Volunteer Center. They match your time, talents and interests to a specific local need. They are also a year-round entity, so no worries, just keep them in mind if your availability does not coincide with a memorable day.

Kindness matters...pass it on.

Marie Graham is an Interior Decorator, a Home Stager, and owner of The Refreshed Home.