I
make my living with words. I write them, correct them, solicit them, sell them, waste them and--sometimes--eat them. But now, words fail me. Words can't express the profound sorrow, shock, disgust, anger and horror that gripped me on Sept. 11. My words seem inconsequential, trivial attempts to paint over those horrific images.
But write I must; it's what I do. Words help me understand and shape the world around me. Words also help to heal. A kind word from a stranger on a New York street, a
thoughtful assurance from a fellow traveler or a whispered prayer for suffering families: These are the words that will help us move forward. Although words won't erase those images or bring back
those whom we lost, they can help frame our outlook for the future. I've heard and read so many words in the last month about the events of Sept. 11. Most impressive are the
words of compassion, strength, courage, hope and determination. These words shape a hopeful future. I've also heard words of racism, hate, isolationism and paranoia. To speak
these words is to admit defeat. If we live in a society defined by such words, the terrorists will have won. We will have become the people they imagine us to be. Whatever word
labels God--Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah--the principles are universal: peace, love and a code of behavior that cherishes life. To destroy life in the name of God--no matter what the name--is the
ultimate sin. The United States and the world have been united by the tragic events of Sept. 11. Old hurts have healed as we unite against a common enemy: fear. How comforting
it is to U.S. ears to hear French, German, Japanese and Russian words of support. It's too bad that it took the evil acts of a few to unite so many. By the time this is
published, the world may indeed be a very different place than it was in the early morning hours of Sept. 11. I know that my son, Ian, born on Sept. 1, will never know a world quite so secure as
ours was, before the towers fell. But I'm optimistic that he will live in a world in which words of hope and understanding conquer words of fear. I urge each of you to remember
those who had their lives cruelly cut short. Build them a memorial of words--words of hope, understanding and love. Remember the power of your words when dealing with a co-worker, customer or
stranger on the street. Remember, too, the good words and works of those who continue to offer help to the victims and their families. Help them by making a contribution to the
charity of your choice. Here are a few that allow you to donate online:  The American Red Cross-- www.redcross.org
The Salvation Army-- www.salvationarmy-usaeast.org The September 11th Fund-- www.september11fund.org |
