Where were you?

So have you answered it yet? The only way to really avoid the decade commemoration of 9/11/01 is to hole up for the month and play juror (cut yourself off from the outside world). Everywhere I turn I read an article or posting of some sort that asks this question. I finally tried my hand at answering it today in my journaling. In 10 years, I have avoided discussing this with others for fear of sharing my own answer. At the time, I felt like a nobody. My journaling today reads, "I lived in the small guest bedroom at the Benson’s house. Sure people were kind to me, but no one in the world was really involved in my life and I wasn't personally involved in anyone else's. Church was blah and my only social life consisted of going to work or the grocery store. I had no family, at least none that cared much about my whereabouts." Those were my circumstances more than my whereabouts on 9/11.

My journaling continues:
I wanted to be sympathetic, but it wouldn’t penetrate. No one really knew yet if it was terrorism and even if, I had nothing to lose and there was nothing I could do for anyone else. No one needed my shoulder to cry on and I didn’t need theirs.
The one amazing thing that came out of 9/11 however, was its impact on Uncle Herb which in turn changed my life. Being a WWII vet, he reflected on his own efforts to fight for American freedom that was now being attacked and ridiculed that day. He has often wondered if his life was worth it. He has always wanted to make a difference. So after 9/11, Herb wanted to reassure himself that good would prevail and to support someone in a personal way rather than throwing money at an impersonal cause.
I was leaving for work one day and Beth was seeing me off out the door. She saw on the foyer table my mail from the previous day and handed me an envelope from Herb. I opened it and read the letter. There was a check for $5000!! That week, I moved out.

Have you avoided the story of your existence on 9.11.01? Why?


Do you remember Alan Jackson's song? I pasted the words here below as taken from http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/alanjackson/wherewereyouwhentheworldstoppedturning.html

Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

[Repeat Chorus 2x]
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?