Anniversary

Where were you when the Twin Towers crumbled?
If you are in your late 20's or older, I am sure that day resonates in your memory, especially today, on the 10th anniversary of this disaster. I remember being in RT school, in a fog, and trying to muddle my way through my ventilator lab with my partner, Theresa Fanara. Our instructor told us that the World Trade Center had been hit by an airplane, and the only thought that I had at that moment was "Damn, it must be foggy in New York today." I lived in such a bubble that even after he announced the second airplane had hit the towers, I still thought this was an innocent thing, but that these pilots must have some serious troubles if they are crashing into buildings that everyone knows are there.
I was oblivious to terrorism or to the broad label of "terrorist activity" that encompasses still today, anything destructive done by anyone of Muslim descent. I still kind of am. I like my bubble, but the walls have become a little clearer lately.
No, I don't panic when I see anyone of Middle Eastern heritage like some people. But I guess I am a little more aware of the world and the things that are going on around me. In fact, just yesterday, I had a perfectly sober conversation with a complete stranger about the droughts in Texas and how they were affecting the prices of beef.
What 9/11 taught me was to pay more attention. I am sure that wasn't the lesson the "terrorists" were aiming to teach us Americans. I'm certain it had something to do with learning our place in the hierarchy of our world, but I didn't get that. Not many folks did. It was just another reason to hate another ethnic group.
I feel for the folks who lost people in 9/11. I feel for our country as a general whole. Yes, it was a blow, and yes, it was met with blind opposition ala George W. Bush. But I firmly believe if we had paid more attention to what was going on outside our own little bubble, the whole thing could have been avoided and/or deterred.

On this, the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I will remember. I remember where I was and what I was doing. Those are things I will never forget. But I also realize that it was the "Me" and the "I" mentality that brought on these attacks, and that is a lesson most refuse to learn, even at such great cost.