In remembrance

Sometimes I forget - I think we all sometimes forget - to be thankful for the things we have, and to be thankful for the amazing country we live in. Sure, there are plenty of problems, but I never cease to be amazed how the majority of people can all rally together in those really crucial times.

Says something about what it means to be human.

I had forgotten about 9/11. I am at a conference in Greensboro, NC, and all I was thinking about today was which breakout sessions and research presentations to go to, and trying to prepare myself to share my own poster. That's pretty much what was occupying my mind. Until I went to write in my journal around 3:00 this afternoon or so. I (try to) always date my pages, and only then did I remember today was 9/11.

On the one hand - it happens. People forget. We get caught up in things, life continues to move on, and we forget. It happens. But, at the same time, I think it's important to remember - for lots of reasons, among which is that Santayana quote that "those who cannot learn from the past are doomed (or condemned - seen it both ways) to repeat it." Plus, while it's easy to think of history in the particulars - the names and dates and locations - really, history carries so much more - the implications and lessons are so much greater.

And so I sit here in my hotel room, an open psychology book next to me, my laptop on my lap, and the t.v. on - tuned in to MSNBC's tribute to 9/11 ("9/11 as it happened"). They are replaying the news footage from that day in 2001. And, again, I find myself in awe. Even more so than when it originally happened. Perhaps because there is less of a shock factor. Perhaps because I had forgotten, and this sort of reminder is a cold bucket of water in the face. Perhaps I'm just older and more mature ;) Whatever. The point is that it is still horrifying, still confusing - still so surreal. The mass pandemonium. The amazing strength of those who rallied together - especially those who were there. Those that went headlong into dangerous situations to help.

Humans. Something so despicable juxtaposed with something so admirable.

I feel naseous and hopefull all at the same time.

So here is my remembrance of 9/11 - the event, and the people involved. And there is a brief editorial with an audio tribute by Bruce Maiman here that I also like. Let us all remember, and let the remembrance influence our development as humans - and not in a vengeful sort of way - in a virtuous way. Let us learn and grow and rise above.