Ten years ago I was asleep in the basement of Rosewood Manor, which was once used as Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting lodge. (This was before Church of the Beloved established itself there and contrary to what they write in the link it wasn’t entirely vacant – four good friends were living in the basement – but that is another story!) I was awakened to the sound of one of my housemates shouting that the US was under attack. And for many, the world changed that day in so many ways. Everyone, of course, has a story. I remember time stopping and continuing at the same time. I remember watching hours of news coverage. I remember clear blue skies with no planes for days. I remember a brilliant and wise sermon at St Alban’s Episcopal Church in Edmonds by the priest at the time. I remember the run on “patriotism” and flags sprouting everywhere.Three months earlier I had flown to Malaysia and Singapore to attend the reunion and closing of Chefoo School. Three months later I would fly to Thailand for Christmas. Needless to say travel and security were dramatically different for these two trips. In addition to talking with Thai friends, I remember random strangers wanting to have conversations and share their thoughts on 9/11.
This past week it has been impossible to turn on a tv without hearing a 9/11 retrospective and perhaps rightfully so. One of the wisest and most thoughtful men I know at this present time is Sam Wells, Dean of Duke Chapel. Here are two postings from him, another from a former classmate of mine whose dad (my high school history teacher was killed by a terrorist bomb) and a unique story that Andrea passed along to me.
Duncan
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