The day after 9/11
The many responses to yesterday's article
Yesterday, I wrote about my memories of twenty years ago on 9/11.
My settings of Substack allow only paying subscribers to comment, but there is always the option to reply directly to my email. And that resulted in far more messages than I can respond to today. So, therefore, I am writing to all of you now to thank you.
Your messages were often about your experiences of those first days: the confusion, your worries about family members and friends, the heroes, and those that didn't survive.
Some of you hadn't realized the whole world felt the shock and horror and wrote that you were surprised to read a memory of that day from someone who lived on the other side of the Atlantic. But this is one planet, and we are increasingly connected by travel, trade, culture, and media.
More than 90 countries lost citizens in the 9/11 attacks. New York is an international city where more than 600 languages are spoken, making it one of the world's most linguistically diverse regions. Think of the nationality of the last yellow-cab taxidriver you met in Manhattan, or remember the many languages you heard while walking the streets of New York City.
The shock, disbelief, anger, and grief were shared by people all over the planet by all ethnicities and religions.
When I had finished writing, I walked out into nature. I enjoyed watching the deer and the beautiful light in the last hour of the day. This picture is from where I walked.
I wish you a lovely Sunday.
Yesterday, I received one reaction from a follower who objected to my asking for paid subscriptions after writing about 9/11. Let me clarify: writing is my job. The same person probably read about 9/11 in the newspaper that she pays for. She may have watched the commemoration on live television, including the advertisements that pay for that broadcast. My position is not different. I can't write for free while also keeping this publication advertisement-free (actually, I regularly turn down offers for ads). And you can't expect me to only call for paid subscriptions when writing about happy topics.
So here is that button again, all support is most welcome:
Notes:
https://gothamist.com/news/dazzling-map-shows-nycs-incredible-linguistic-diversity
The picture... beautiful as always. I'm sure that after writing about 9/11 you needed that walk. I know I could have used a walk. I sometimes avoid the documentaries and news of that day. It was a day that effected me immensely. It effects the world. But I was grateful you asked about that day. Thank you for allowing us to share.
As for the person that complained about paying for the subscription... I'm sorry but a cup of coffee can cost more and can only last for short period of time. While paying for this subscription is well worth it! The wealth of knowledge and the amazing pictures you share is priceless.
Keep writing when you can. As always Thank you for taking time out to write and share with us all.
Enjoy your day.
Thoughtful and perfect are the words of your writing, today. An example of integrity that defines your personal and professional conduct.
As for the criticisms, they are part of our failures as humans: we hardly give the benefit of the doubt unless our interests and convictions are inherently and perfectly connected...However, these criticisms allow us, mostly, to reaffirm the value of our attitudes and goals. Furthermore, respect is essential and an opinion is not a fact.
Thank you for being on that side.