Remembering. Not re-living.
I got a few texts that said something along the lines of, "In honor of the men and women who lost their lives today, pass this along and keep it going until midnight" or something along those lines. First of all, how is that honoring them? Sending a text seems more like a glint of thought about this day and nothing past that. That doesn't seem very adequate.
But reliving the memories is not adequate as well. Torturing oneself so that they go through the pain experienced, the tears that were shed, the heartache that was felt that day and the next few years is not a way to honor our brothers and sisters who died. I was talking to my mom today and she said that on the radio they had a recording of people calling from the Two Towers trying to get help, they had little children who were made orphans talking, they had music in the background to make it even more emotional. That is much to extreme and I believe dishonoring them as they wouldn't want that pain to come back to the ones they left behind.
So, there are the two ends. Hardly anything vs. everything plus a little more. There is a happy medium here such as going to a memorial for those who died, or thinking about the happy and successful things they may have done with their lives. The smiles they'd smiled, the laughter they'd shared, the hard work they'd accomplished. People working in these buildings must have been very accomplished, successful people and I have no doubt they were all extremely loved by at least one person here on earth.
But the essence of remembering is not in recalling the happy times or the painful times even though that is an important part of it, but in remembering where they went and how happy they are now. The love we have for those who died comes from the human instinct to love each other. That's why this was such a tragic event. That sadness is healthful to feel, but after a time there is a point that needs to be approached. It's the point of accepting Heavenly Father's choice. Dwell on that love that was felt for those people, because that love is what Heavenly Father feels for us. Understanding that love can make us better people then making the world better. Heavenly Father won't take anyone before their time. I know that.
I wrote this in my journal today. It's very personal, but in reference to my previous words I think it's appropriate. I've edited it. "Hey Zoe...you're happy, aren't you? Sometimes I think about what it's like up there, but...my place is here, your place is there... I wonder if you've accepted the gospel and are now waiting to be baptized. I want to take your name to the temple, but I just barely thought that...if I go on a mission I could possibly meet your grandparents or any aunts/uncles, bring them to the church, and then they can do your family's names, hopefully inviting me to be present. And not just baptism, but sealings and endowments as well! Oh how blessed that day would be!..." This is remembering. This is sacredly remembering those who've gone. It's not telling the world what happened on September 11, 2001. It's telling the world that those people aren't gone!
They aren't gone.
And that is good news.
But reliving the memories is not adequate as well. Torturing oneself so that they go through the pain experienced, the tears that were shed, the heartache that was felt that day and the next few years is not a way to honor our brothers and sisters who died. I was talking to my mom today and she said that on the radio they had a recording of people calling from the Two Towers trying to get help, they had little children who were made orphans talking, they had music in the background to make it even more emotional. That is much to extreme and I believe dishonoring them as they wouldn't want that pain to come back to the ones they left behind.
So, there are the two ends. Hardly anything vs. everything plus a little more. There is a happy medium here such as going to a memorial for those who died, or thinking about the happy and successful things they may have done with their lives. The smiles they'd smiled, the laughter they'd shared, the hard work they'd accomplished. People working in these buildings must have been very accomplished, successful people and I have no doubt they were all extremely loved by at least one person here on earth.
But the essence of remembering is not in recalling the happy times or the painful times even though that is an important part of it, but in remembering where they went and how happy they are now. The love we have for those who died comes from the human instinct to love each other. That's why this was such a tragic event. That sadness is healthful to feel, but after a time there is a point that needs to be approached. It's the point of accepting Heavenly Father's choice. Dwell on that love that was felt for those people, because that love is what Heavenly Father feels for us. Understanding that love can make us better people then making the world better. Heavenly Father won't take anyone before their time. I know that.
I wrote this in my journal today. It's very personal, but in reference to my previous words I think it's appropriate. I've edited it. "Hey Zoe...you're happy, aren't you? Sometimes I think about what it's like up there, but...my place is here, your place is there... I wonder if you've accepted the gospel and are now waiting to be baptized. I want to take your name to the temple, but I just barely thought that...if I go on a mission I could possibly meet your grandparents or any aunts/uncles, bring them to the church, and then they can do your family's names, hopefully inviting me to be present. And not just baptism, but sealings and endowments as well! Oh how blessed that day would be!..." This is remembering. This is sacredly remembering those who've gone. It's not telling the world what happened on September 11, 2001. It's telling the world that those people aren't gone!
They aren't gone.
And that is good news.
Beautiful. I'm impressed with your maturity, wisdom, and eternal perspective. What wonderful lessons you've learned through loving Zoe. And what a joyful reunion you two will have when you meet again.
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