Even though I always know the date is nearing, it’s still a shock to see 9-11. Just seeing the official date on the calendar or writing it jolts me. Remembering Sept. 11th is something that I will probably do the rest of my life—much in the same way my parents and grandparents remember the assassination of JFK.I know that I am not alone in feeling the impact of the date. The phrase 9-11 appeared in the majority of the top 100 searches for today. As a nation, we will never forget the event. Over time, the scars will fade. Future generations won’t have the personal connection so many of us have to the event. (If you doubt this could happen, take a look at December 7th on your calendars.)
As I recall the day of the attack on the Twin Towers, I remember the range of emotions I experienced all within a few short moments: shock, denial, fear, grief, determination, patriotism.
At the time, I was attending ACU, so I also had the experience of joining thousands of students in prayer for our nation. In the days following, it seemed like America had had a spiritual awakening. People who never thought about a higher authority considered whether there might be a God. In this time of tragedy, President George W. Bush turned the nation to God.
“We mourn with those who have suffered great and disastrous loss. All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and sense-less taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith.Scripture says: “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” I call on every American family and the family of America to observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, honoring the memory of the thousands of victims of these brutal attacks and comforting those who lost loved ones. We will persevere through this national tragedy and personal loss. In time, we will find healing and recovery; and, in the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, “one Nation under God.” ~ From George W. Bush’s 9-11 Remembrance Speech.
So let me connect this to writing. Events like 9-11 impact an entire nation. Whether it’s a Christian revival, a renewal of patriotism or the decision to cower in fear, violence tends to alter the current way of life. Consider the impact 9-11 had on you? What impact might this have on your characters? If you write historical fiction, consider what events occurred in the era that might impact your characters.Even in fantasy or sci-fi, writers can use their real-life experiences. America responded to the threat by raising flags and praying. But what might a nation do in a fantasy novel? What impact might a civil war leave on the characters?
If you haven’t done so, I encourage you to write out your thoughts on 9-11. Try to put the range of emotions you experienced into words.
What was the first emotion you remember feeling on 9-11? Mine was shock/denial. I thought the plane crash was a special effect.
Definitely shock and denial, same as you. Great suggestion to write out our feelings on 9/11. I have seen the footage several times today, and those same feelings came back. Great post. Thanks for joining my blog. I look forward to getting to know you better.
ReplyDeleteSusan
That was beautifully written. Let's see, my first reaction was disbelief and shock, then horror. I just thought of what those people were going through inside, and how they never saw it coming. It's just... unfathomable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining my blog as well :)
Erica
Thank you for remembering. Thank you for writing and keeping the memory alive for all of us. You made me feel the connection we all felt on that day
ReplyDeleteDisbelief...then fear. I remember wondering what would happen next. It felt like the entire nation was under attack. You realize what's important during a time like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, even writing the date feels weird--like writing my birthday but worse. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI worked at an adoption agency at the time, and on that day I had to go visit a birthmom who had delivered overnight. I walked in through the packed emergency room and it was absolutely silent. All eyes were glued to the tv. It was the eeriest feeling I've ever experienced.
ReplyDeleteI too felt disbelief then fear. I was working in my home office without the TV or radio on and a neigbhor came over to tell me what happened. We sat glued to the TV and held hands the entire time without saying a word. 9/11 will always bring chills to me. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Donna
Thanks so much for sharing this. I've been feeling pretty melacholy since Friday. I was in a high school English class of 16-year-olds that day. The memory is still fresh...I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteThis is one day that will live in everyone's memory. I remember exactly what i was doing and where I was like a snapshot in my head. Such a terrible, tragic day. However, not only did we see the worst of humanity, we also saw the best as well. There are so many heros who saved lives that day, putting other before their own safety. When 9/11 rolls around, I mourn for those who lost their lives, but also praise those who risked everything to see others safe.
ReplyDeleteI remember a huge range of emotions that morning. First of shock that a plane actually crashed into a building in NY, then of fear when I first saw the second plane aiming for the second building. I knew, along with everyone else, that we were under attack and that life as we knew it would never be the same.
ReplyDelete