Out of darkness — light
Words today to convey even some sense of the tragedy, shock and horror I feel over the events of Sept. 11, 2001 seem completely inadequate. Who can even comprehend the sheer magnitude and enormity of the crime committed by the terrorists?
We will not be the same after yesterday. I knew that the minute I heard the news and saw the surreal scenes of the World Trade Center towers. The world seems different now. You know it as you walk down the street. Everyone is thinking about it. Pre-occupied with it. Sick with sadness for those who perished and suffered and for their families.
Such an immense tragedy, such an unspeakable crime against inhumanity and all of civilization, compels us to focus on the essential matters in life, the eternal truths, and the utter interdependence of all us everywhere on this planet. It strips away in one fell swoop all trivialities, pettiness, pretense and complacy. It alters one’s state of mind permanently.
Still dazed 24 hours later, I retreated at noon to the place where I have sought solace so many times over the past few years: the quiet garden at the college with its river ash, pecan and oak trees, its fish pond and waterfll. The sounds of moving water and wind stirring the trees, and the birdsong I am listening to now, offer me a measure of hope and serenity, a restoration of some semblance of sanity and normalcy, such as it is even possible to obtain. I am deeply grateful to be able to be here and to realize how deep are the clear springs of life and hope.
Hope because we must hold onto it, and hope because it will enable us to recover as individuals and as a nation from this grievous wound.
Everything seems like a dream. *hugs lots*
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We will get through this. About the only thing I can do is give blood tomorrow. And I will most happily do so.That private retreat sounds good. Is’nt it quiet since the planes are grounded?
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Nature has always been my solace during times of pain. Hugs.
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You say it here in such a wonderful way…the sound of water, trees in the wind…the sound of nature…at this moment it is the only thing that can help us to find peace in ourselves and hope. Going to my favorite place now, outside, close to what is still pure on this earth, crying for so many innocent people who lost their lives, it releases me a little. We here in Belgium, and in so many [Ede
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other European countries feel that it were not only the Americans who were hit. We “all” are attacked. Tomorrow, Friday, our prime minister announced that we will have a day of mourning. At 12 o’clock at noon there will be three minutes of silence all over this country in memory of all those who died. Our thoughts will also go to their families and friends. Hugs~~
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In this moment, all we felt American. We are into mourning. To morrow one day of mourning is ordered in Europe.Our flags are at half-mast and, yesterday we prayed in the Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-Paris for American people. We are concerned by your sorrow, horiffied by this barbarism. You are a friendly country and we owe to you our freedom..
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Yes, seeking out light and hope in the midst of suffering and destruction.I am longing to find a spot by the sea today or tomorrow to find a calming rest. I believe that the voices of friendship and support, here on OD, and everywhere, need to stay strong and not be silenced.Nice to connect with you.
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Holding your hand as a fellow American and especially as a fellow human. Love,
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Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself some quiet time, time to talk to others, and time to meditate or pray–it is a time for all of us to do the same.
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Thank you for sharing this gentle place.
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as a writer, you must be semi-accurate at foreshawdowing… do you think 9-11-01 tragedy is the begining or ground terms for a 3rd war wold? write back soon.
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We as Americans have lost our innocence. That doesn’t mean we* are lost, though. We will, as always, overcome and thumb our noses at those who would attempt to destroy us.
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We talk abt it all the time here in my country too. It’s terrible. But I hope that the reactions will be human and democratic, not only fight back in revenge.
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I know that when I open your diary and click on the newest entry, I will be reading words that put events into perspective, then calm and soothe me with beautiful images of nature. I can count on it. I always save you till last. Like dessert. Or a fine wine.
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I feel the sorrow with you. I sit beside you under the trees and listen to the birdsong. It is peace and it is beautiful. In the background, however, I can hear the agony of thousands grieving for their loved ones. I can’t get the horrific images out of my mind. I will never be the same. Neither will you. None of us will. It’s up to us to decide what that will mean to us. I just don’t know yet. [
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The sounds of nature have such healing properties. I was such a mess tuesday, when I got home from work I put on the Great Lakes Suite, by Dan Gibson. It is nature and water sounds, from the beginning to the end of the great lakes. This CD has gotten me through some really rough times. It was in the background for my mother’s funeral. Find some calm and peace…
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You have found words within the impossible. I still float, afraid to write…that if I say anything, I will say maybe too much…Thank you for the little wisp of peace this entry gave me…{{{Oswego}}}
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We’ve only just begun! Our way of life may be hard won, but that makes it more precious, even if we have to win it again and again!
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as i sit here writing you this note..reading your entry..i hear the sounds of crying on tv…people wanting word of their loved ones…holding up pictures…even the newswoman reporting is crying…. this nation is forever changed
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So eloquently said. I totally agree with your thoughts. Thanks for sharing them.
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I’m just not convinced that war against terrorists trained by the US to fight in the Soviets-Afganastan war is such a good idea. We make monsters around the world, then notice too late that we can’t stop them. There must be a peaceful solution, but I can’t think of it…
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The nook you describe at the university sounds like a perfect place to find a bit of peace, like the cotton field. Peace.
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Forever changed. Everyone thinking about it. The part I thought was weird was the people at my work don’t seem to think about it. You are very fortunate to have such a beautiful place of calm solitude and healing nature to retreat to. It just saddens me to know of all those no longer alive. And I can’t feel anger. I’ve tried. But it’s all sadness, empty, echoing, bloody sadness..yes, we need hope.
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I spoke with my heart,today, still, I cry..
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Interview with God http://www.reata.org/interview.html You should make some flash presentations of your words with your pictures. It would compliment an already existing masterpiece.
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I agree – we must hold on to hope. Thank you for your note. I know you are right.
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A place of comfort. I found mine outside too. Had to drag myself away from the TV and find solace. For me, it was simply giving my horse a bath, and trimming some flower beds. But, I could feel the sunshine, hear the birds, smell the fragrances, and restore my beloved Mejo’s coat to it’s glossy clean shine. A short time of peace.
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My wish is that the INSTIGATORS of this tragic act be dealt with by their own good, normal minded countrymen
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My friend, we must reach down deep within the pure essence of ourselves and bring forth the good so that we can stand solid, united and strong in the face of evil. We are given the solace and peace of Nature and the inate goodness of humankind to weather the storms until once more the sunshine of peace and decency light these dark days. Beautiful as always.
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Dearest Oswego, I had to come & read your words, for I knew that no matter what they said, they would lift my heart if only for a moment. The grief & the anger & the despair are all one, and we search for words & footsteps. I love you, dear friend. Akhmatova
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You are such a poet. I wish that I could say that I had been so affected by what has happened. I am not. I am bipolar and have PTSD. I do not feel things very much. I am numb to the world. I only get manic all the time. Write to me and tell me how do you think that I can get over this. Joyce Forte’
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Feelings of grief & sorrow still invade my thoughts, & yet, I arise & look out onto a new morning aglow with the vibrant songs of sparrows as they flock to their feeders. The hummingbirds still chase each other in the rays of an early morning’s sun & I feel nature’s embrace. Yet, deep within a lingering sadness seeks to grasp my heart. I struggle, dear friend. I struggle~
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Thank you..cait..
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