Tuesday, September 11, 2012

9/11 ~ Fear or Laughter


9/11 ~ Fear or Laughter


You may look at the title of this post and say, “Laughter? What? She is disrespectful!” I assure you I am not being disrespectful. We lost many souls on 9/11. All were precious and none deserved to die the way they did.

Those of us left battered and wounded need to continue living. We have a choice. We can live in fear or choose a life full of laughter. I for one would rather live a life of laughter not fear.

Fear will keep us from growing and doing. Fear will create hate and anger. Those who planned and carried out the attack were called terrorists. Their entire idea was to create terror/fear. I for one refuse to let them win! So instead of fear I will choose a life of laughter and joy. I will do my best to life each day remembering that there is always something to be happy about.

I will choose to honor those we lost in that cowardly attack. I will choose to respect those that ran in or stayed to help, risking and giving their lives to save others. I will honor them by living a life full of joy and trying to help others in the process.

I will never forget 9/11. I will never forget where I was when it happened. I was at my brother’s house. He lives near Disneyland and I was on vacation. We stayed there so we could spend a week playing at the park. That morning he woke us up and told us to come watch what was happening. We watched in shock as they showed video of the 1st plane hitting the tower over and over again. We watched in horror and disbelief as the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower.

I will always remember the surge in patriotism right after 9/11. We were united as American’s as I’ve never seen us united before or since. Color of skin and political affiliation did not matter. Wrongly, in my opinion there was a fear and unjust hatred of those of the Muslim faith. Yes, those who attacked were of the Muslim faith but not all Muslim’s are that radical. I know many American Muslim’s who are wonderful and caring people. I disagree with their religious beliefs but in America we all have the right to worship as we feel called. As long as they respect my rights to believe and worship I will respect theirs.

9/10 we were at Disneyland enjoying the day. We stopped into Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, we walked right in because the place was empty. We went to Disney California Adventure in the evening and watched the Electrical Parade and were sadden to see the Salute to America float shortened down to 3 segments. When this beautiful float came majestically down the street people walked off before it came.

We went back to the park on 9/13 choosing to defy the terrorists and not let them make us live in fear. We went back to see Mr. Lincoln and we had to wait to see it because the Opera House was full! Once again we went to see the Electrical Parade. When the Salute to America float came down the street the crowd came to their feet! Some people clapped, many put their hands over their hearts those that had served saluted! All of the segments were back in the parade! There was not a dry eye in the parade viewing area.

Today, 11 years later there are fewer people coming to see Mr. Lincoln, but they still come and more come than before 9/11. I do not know if all the parts of the Salute to America float are in use at WDW, I hope they are and I pray people come to their feet when it comes by.

I challenge you today. Make a choice to live a life full of laughter and refuse to let the terrorists win. Do something to make yourself and others smile today. Remember those lost by living life to the fullest and not letting fear control what you do. Be aware of what is going on and the fact that in today’s world attacks may come at any place and at any time. Just do not let that knowledge keep you from enjoying life and living it.

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