We Will Never Be the Same

On September 11, 2001, I was blissfully unaware of the chaos that had just recently struck at and had shaken humanity’s spirit to the core. Unlike so many I can’t even tell you what I was doing at nine in the evening my time—when the “9/11” event unfolded. In some ways, in a weird sense, I missed not being more a part of it. It came as a huge shock to me—like it did all of us—when I learned of the tragedy some fifteen hours later.

Still, the enduring image for me was footage of the sheer momentary disbelief that adorned then President Bush’s face as he was told in a school classroom of confirmed reports that a second plane had hit the Towers. That continues to speak volumes to me of the human interaction and frailties these types of events bring about.

We will never be the same. We continue to look with astonished awe upon the counties of material the response to these attacks have produced.

We can look at footage now and still be totally flummoxed as to what went on that day, the sheer size of the events, the planning of that terror attack, as well as the bravery of the thousands who died or risked their lives, to those who lost loves ones, and not to mention the enormity of the rescue and recovery efforts. September 11 has changed us for all time—especially those immediately affected.

As I write this I’m so patently aware that whatever words are penned here are eternally insignificant in comparison for what this event means to me and you.

Just, we will never be the same. Our record of time and of humanity changed from that point. Compassion has new meaning for us because of what happened.

To those rocked to their heart-founded core that day—and hence all days since—what can be said that has not already been said? And words betray. But this can be said: God bless you, dearly, magnanimously and eternally.

God was there that day, as God remains this day—the God who was, is, and is to come. Lest we forget that God is the One who makes this wrong right again, to every last believer’s heart.

And we know the shallowness of words... just let us never forget the human sacrifice for good that day—and all those continuing—when evil strode through the world’s door unannounced.

© 2010 S. J. Wickham.

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