Reflection: 9/11.

Image Taken May 22nd, 2017 9/11 Memorial

Suffering. Survival. Hope. Renewal.

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is the other day I decided to take a trip to New York, USA. This decision was based on a deep yearning of the heart. Simply to be in my homeland, my heartland. To walk upon these lands, my desire was to fulfilled, my heart, body, soul, and mind found spiritual renewal. As my senses took in the sights and sounds of a city; where in times of happiness everyone comes together, and in sadness everyone unites with each other.

     I wanted to specifically reflect upon my experience visiting the 9/11 memorial. I wrote about my initial response, where I was when the attack happened in real time. However to see, witness, and walk upon the grounds where this heartbreak happened is absolutely a different sensation. I completely broke - down. I could not contain myself. I was not emotionally / mentally prepared. I did not know what my own reaction was going to be. I grieved, and I decided that it was best to grieve. To grieve the wounds that were suffered by our fellow Americans, individuals, our people, the many in our uniforms, and families who have suffered loss, I had to grieve.

Image taken - 20th May, 2017 9/11 Memorial.

     
     Later, I decided to go back again. This time I took flowers. I don't think I can ever prepare myself to contain my emotion, but I needed to share my love. So I lay some flowers upon the memorials. I touched the names. I took in all of the sights, sounds, breathed them in, locked into my memory. I wanted to learn more, hear more, understand the enormity of this tragedy. 

     As I stood my eyes gazed upon the survivor tree, a tree named for hope, renewal, and survival. A tree that also suffered the burns of 9/11. As I touched this tree, it was a moment of deep reflection. The tree symbolizes hope, hope that life and re-generation will prevail. This memorial is a reflection of a tragedy yet, also shows where a city has come together in remembrance. Flowers are placed upon the victims names when it is their birthday. Survivors share their stories, and even books that have been published to share stories.  

Tree of Hope

     As I sit here today, and think back to my hands touching the names of the victims, I shed tears. Nothing and no - one can replace the lives that have been lost, we can only try to heal one another. This is what the city of New York has done, and for this I commend you. Heal, Hope, Survival.

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to the people of New York City. My trip was symbolic, as it allowed me to understand the journey of 9/11. Our People, my fellow Americans, you are loved. My thoughts to share with love & kindness. :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on May 26th, 2017.
All photographs are from my own personal collection. 
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