posted on Mar, 14 2010 @ 03:35 PM
There are times when I have to stop looking at the forest in order to see the trees.I feel this is one of those times.The tradegy of 9/11 has had a
lasting effect upon me.Although I knew none of those who perished on that day,I still to this day feel an overwhelming loss.There have been many
nights when I've been unable to sleep.I have suffered depresion,anxiety,despair and an overall sadness.It has made me feel helpless,small and
irrelevant.,and more than anything else,it has caused me to feel hopeless.I come to this forum in an attempt to understand 9/11 more than I do.I
don't come here to 'stir the pot'.I doubt that I will ever agree with everything that I find here,whether it be OS or TM. I was setting outside
last night gazing at the stars,ready to just give up on my quest to understand the how's,why's,who's,where's and when's of 9/11.I went to bed
with the aching mind and heavy heart which I have become accustomed to. I awoke this morning and was fortunate to have viewed an MSNBC program titled
"Operation Yellow Ribbon".To say that it was refreshing and lifted my spirits would be an understatement.This was the story of the wonderful people
of Gander,Newfoundland.It was a story of kindness.It renewed my faith in mankind,and gives me a glimmer of hope.If you weren't fortunate to see it,I
will briefly detail it.The international air traffic on 9/11was diverted to Gander once U.S. airspace had been closed.This a small town of about
10,000.There were around 7,000 people on those flights that arrived in Gander.The wonderful folks there opened their hearts and their doors to those
who would be stranded there for the next several days.The bus drivers were on strike,but they laid down their picket signs and their differences and
joined together to transport these stranded people into their community.Food banks and shelters were put together in haste.The community as a whole
came together in a time of need to help total strangers.The passengers were only allowed to have their 'carry-on' bags from the plane,so most were
without clothes or basic necessities.The merchants in Gander opened their hearts with what was needed,free of charge.The pharmacy did the same.Homes
were opened and left unlocked.Hot meals were served.These people have gone un-noticed,as far as I know,until today. It is my hope that those of us
here at ATS,can lay down our arms,put our disagreements on hold for the moment,and acknowledge these fine people in Gander.Let us unite,if only
momentarily,and say THANK YOU to Gander,Newfoundland for the kindness and generosity they shared with our fellow Americans in a time of tradegy and
need. Hopefully,we have a fellow member there who can share this with them.