Today we mark the second anniversary of the most tragic event in
American history. When one ponders how most of us will spend today,
Sept. 11, it is difficult not to notice “the change.”
It is even more difficult not to wonder if that change is
appropriate, if it is normal, if it is healthy. Of course, the
change is the return to relative normalcy.
Gone, for the most part, is the public grieving. Although still
more visible than they were before Sept. 11, 2001, fewer American
flags fly from front porches. Gone are the days when any number of
us could be overrun with the emotion at the mere sight of one of
the awful, amazing, tragic, triumphant, heartbreaking and
heartwarming images that form our collective memory of Sept. 11,
2001.
Remember, too, the outpouring of good will that occurred in the
months following the attacks? Remember hearing from family, friends
and neighbors about how people’s priorities changed, and about how
matters they used to be concerned about suddenly lost
importance?
A general sense of civility and a general sense of compassion
for strangers also were pervasive. It was as if we all felt lucky
to be alive, and we appreciated not only the preciousness our own
lives but also the preciousness of strangers’ lives.
Of course, with the passage of time, that day shrinks like an
object in the rearview mirror – not in its importance, but only in
its ability render us helpless to our emotions.
Now, two years out, we are getting on with things. Some of us
vowed to make personal changes in our lives after that day, only to
find that we have changed little at all. Some of us vowed to focus
on “more important” things, only to find that we have lost that
focus.
Then again, some of us changed our lives completely. Neither
response is better than the other. And a return to normalcy not
only is healthy but to be expected.
However, perhaps the one lasting tribute we, the living, can
make to those who died on this day two years ago is to remember how
we felt then – as survivors. Then, to the best of our abilities, in
even the smallest possible way, we can attempt to live our lives
with those feelings first and foremost in our hearts.