Friday, September 11, 2009

remember...

Eight years ago today, the world we had lived in vanished in an enormous cloud of smoke thundering down the streets of Manhattan, chasing innocent bystanders like a scene from an old Japanese monster movie. Where the scene differed from those movies, in addition to the fact that it really happened, was in what you saw before it happened. In those movies, you rarely saw more than one or two heroes who dared to run towards the monster that threatened their lives and the lives of those around them. But in our surreal-ish reality, there were hundreds who stared into the gaping throat of the monster and lunged without regard for their own safety to rescue their unknown brothers and sisters of the human race.
On that day, I prayed with all of my heart for those true heroes of American history. It still turns my stomach to remember. As the son of a volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty, I know better than most the ache of loneliness that those children will feel for years and decades to come. It may become more bearable, but it never goes away. I didn't know the number, but I knew many would likely not make it out. Still, each day after September 11th became progressively harder, short term, as it became apparent that survivors would be rare.

343....
That was the final tally of firefighters who gave their lives doing their job.
May God's peace be with the families of the 343 today and always. And may his mercy be with the souls of those who left this world in preparation for eternity that day.
Whenever you see flashing lights or hear sirens wailing away, let it serve as a reminder to pray for God's protection over the lives of those men and women who are willing daily to sacrifice all they are and have to keep our communities safe.