9-11-01

I wrote about three posts for today, and none of them felt right. I could do a big thing about "where were you" and tell my story, which, while intensely emotional to me really isn't any more touching than anyone else's story. I could do a big thing about the power of photography, how the images of this event will be forever etched in our memory; I have heard it said that 9-11 was the most covered event in all of history, and the images we now share in our collective memory have shaped the direction of our nation. Or I thought I could just do a big thing about patriotism and pride, how much good the one terrible day has done in bringing us closer as a nation.

But every time I tried to hit "publish" I stopped myself. It just doesn't feel right. Finally, driving home tonight, I realized the problem. It isn't about the big things. Clearly, September 11, 2001 was a very big thing. But it's the little things that have changed in the five years since that day that are the most important. We don't have to remember with 50-ft tall bronze sculptures and philharmonic orchestras. Sometimes 16 preschoolers with plastic flags reciting the pledge for thier local firestation is enough.

Enough to remind us why we keep fighting, why we won't back down, why we can all stand tall despite the horrors of that one day. The big things make an impact, but the little things make us who we are. We remember the big things... but we LIVE the little things.