How do you process such a huge disaster at 11? I responded by drawing. The picture was of a small girl covered in cuts and ash with the towers collapsing in the background.
In the ten years since, I have often thought about the many children who had their lives tipped upside down that day. Somewhere, amongst my childhood treasures, I still have that picture.
Among the ash and the heartbreak that was 9/11, came stories of heroism and the greatest acts of love.
Frank De Martini and Pablo Ortiz were among those who perished in 9/11. However their story is not one of death but of life and bravery. Between them they rescued over 50 people from 14 different floors. They were not fire-fighters or police officers but ordinary men.
I like to think that if I am ever faced with the chance, I would react in that way. That I would have the courage to rescue others over myself. But how can we know what separates man in that situation. What made those two men stay, rather than flee?
343. The number of fire-fighters and paramedics killed in the attacks. They all died rescuing others. I admire these men and woman because they reacted to a cry. It must take a lot of courage to look at a burning, collapsing building and instead of running away, run into it.
What makes a hero? The heros of 9/11 were not super-human but ordinary men and woman. They reacted to a need. A hero is not made in the moment but in the days and years leading up to that moment. A hero is made by character. The 9/11 heroes displayed the greatest act of love, laying down their lives for strangers and friends.
" There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends"
John 15:13
As we remember 9/11,let us remember that life is short.
The things that really matter are God and people.
Let us do little acts of love and bravery every day.
No comments:
Post a Comment