This time last year I was in Prague, reflecting on how different commemorating the 9th anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks, realizing although for the Czechs it was another day and for me a day of remembrance, that we had a common thread of certain horrible acts that changed our courses history.
Now, as a senior, I wish I woulda taken more time the past few years to reflect more on the things that have changed the world, and specifically my life. In the past ten years, I have grown up a lot, and most of it in the past three years. As a senior, I wish I woulda looked more at my growth over the past three years, whether it was a time where I was growing up or growing down, and taken the time to evaluate where I was.
I know that college is supposed to be a time for fun, and I promise most of my entries in this blog won't be as somber and seriously reflectful like this one, but every now and then you need to take some time to just stop. Stop and think. Think about what you are doing with life - whether you are seriously looking at it or just remembering (or not remembering) the night you had last night.
I was 11 when 9-11 happened, and didn't fully understand what it meant. But as a 21 year old who watched memorial coverage this morning while getting ready, I realize now the impact it had on my life, and I realize that I need to now take time each day to just remember. I've never forgotten, but each day, I need to remember. Not just the things that have directly come from what 9-11 has shown the world - for example, the resilience of the American people, the compassion we have for our fellow countrymen, the loyalty of a nation, just to name a few - but also the indirect things that continue to teach us every day, such as how one decision can end or save a life, how its the little things in life that mean the most, and so many more.
This year, I'm going to take time more "stoppage time." I'll reflect on what I've done so far and where I may be going in the future. I'll think about each day and what I have done, and maybe try to make each day better than the last. I'll remember where I came from and what I have been taught in my life in order to try and make the world a better place for posterity. I'll live each day like it's my last, even if only to honor those over 3,000 people who were lost that fateful day ten years ago. I will close my eyes, even just for a few seconds, and do all these things.
One more thing - I wish I woulda payed my respects in DC already. As patriotic as I say I am, I've never been to Arlington Cemetery. I've never been to the 9-11 Pentagon memorial. But I'm going. And going soon.
And then it'll be something else I'll have to reflect on.
Always,
Caroline
"You Can Close Your Eyes" is by James Taylor.
Beautifully written piece! I think the idea of having "stoppage time" to reflect is a really great idea and something a lot of people would benefit from. By the way, I've been to Arlington, it's very eerie in a way but also beautiful in a bittersweet way as well. Definitely something worth seeing.
ReplyDeleteThis is super moving, Caroline... thanks for sharing. You've inspired me to go to the Pentagon memorial. I've never properly paid respect to the DC side of 9-11. That's a shame.
ReplyDeleteLove this post Caroline! The last time I went to Arlington was probably around 6th grade, and I remember being moved then. I'm sure that this time will be even more sentimental being how much 9-11 changed my life. Let's go next weekend!
ReplyDeleteAs everyone has said, this is really beautifully written and moving. I think it is very important to stop and reflect on what's important rather than getting too caught up in trivial matters(even though thats hard!), so I really enjoyed that part of the post. Good work!
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