A Dedication in Memory of 9/11 and in Thanks to a Wonderful Spirit on G+

I set out to write something today about the anniversary of 9/11 but, honestly, I was not sure what to say. So much of what I started was either trite or had already been repeated a thousand times over. I pretty much lost any steam to write and was going to just coast by with silent nods at half-mast flags until 9/12 appeared. But, reading through the posts on Google Plus, I came across one in particular that not only touched me, but rekindled the spark to dedicate something to this day.

Why are you seeing an article with a title starting "A Dedication in Memory of 9/11" but with a picture declaring "Thank you" to readers? This is the picture that came into my stream this morning. The thank you is from a young woman named +Cecily Cooper, who had taken time to write a beautiful note to friends, many she had never met in person, for their support through what she very rightfully describes as her "Year from Hell". She began with a very simple, This is a long post; if you don't feel like reading, the picture is worth a thousand words."

9/11 is a day where we see pictures of atrocities and the aftermath, of first responders, mourners, and memorials. All of these things worth their own thousands of words. But here was this picture, on 9/11, of a dark-haired woman in jeans and flip-flops sitting in the grass, a large poster board sign in her hands covering just her mouth but not hiding an obvious smile. Hand-written in large letters were those two simple words. "Thank you!"

I went on to read the rest of her letter and soon after I asked if I could share her words and picture here and she agreed. What her letter said (specific names removed for privacy) follows.

— Begin Cecily's words —
For most of my life I have felt like I never really fit in with people or even with my family for that matter. Never really felt like I had people I could lean on or talk to. I've had a great many trials in my life as most of us have. I've faced them with the mindset that I am the only one that is going to get me through this, and it was time to buck up and bust my way through whatever was in front of me. I'm fiercely independent, to a fault at times. 

This year alone, I have gone through a significant amount of trauma and tribulation. I've fought tooth and nail to make my way through having cancer, massive Fibromyalgia flares, grief from my brother dying, a broken heart both literally and metaphorically, both parents nearly dying and horrendously large medical bills resulting in the almost loss of my house and car. I foolishly thought I could do it on my own just like I have been.

There have been a few people on [Google Plus] that have stuck by my side through most of what I call "The Year from Hell". [Their] texts, phone calls, cards, surprises in the mail and messages kept my spirits up and kept me sane. They may not have been with me physically but they were fighting right along beside me. I was with [friends] in Washington D.C when I got the call from my oncologist that I was in remission. If it wasn't for those three ladies, I would have lost it in that moment. The sense of "it is over" was incredibly profound. They kept me grounded. They kept me smiling. They gave me a drink. 😀

A couple of weeks ago in a casual conversation with a select group of people I hold close, I mentioned that there was a fundraiser being planned here in the city I live in and that I was overwhelmed with people that were supposed to be planning it failing to do just that. [A friend] stepped up and took it into her hands to start one here on G+. I am completely blown away by the amount of support that I have been shown by the people here and I would like to take some time to mention them. I know I will forget some and for that I am very sorry. I tried to keep track but "cancer/fibro brain" was in full effect. 
— End Cecily's words —

Her letter highlighted and thanked a large group of people who had helped her. Every person from the ones by her side through every step down to those of us who contributed or just shared posts to help in order to spread the word to more people. Cecily did not want to leave out a single person. And then, she wrapped up her letter as follows.

— Begin Cecily's words —
Finally and most importantly, I am so very blessed to call you all my friends. You all have shown me that there really are people out there that care about fellow human beings. The world is a much, much, much better place with all of you in it.

I love you all and…
— End Cecily's words —

And… her words trailed off into her picture, holding her hand written "Thank you!" to everyone.

We will never forget the tragedy of 9/11 or the lives that were lost because of the events of that day. The "bad guys" wanted us to fear, to lose hope, to weaken us as a people; the target was the United States, but they attacked humanity across the globe. Flowers and speeches and television specials reinforce the tragedy of that day in my memory, but when I see the kindness of others on an online social network to a stranger, and then the deep heartfelt appreciation expressed back, I truly gain focus on a day like 9/11.

On 9/11 we really should pause as a nation, as a world, to take note of what some twisted persons tried to take away from all of us. But, so long as there are individuals who can persevere through tragedies, whether nationally televised or lived through quietly, and not only make it through but gain an even more positive attitude, then no attack like 9/11 will ever defeat humanity. When there are people like Cecily who manage to find a wellspring of humanity to help her through rough times, and who reciprocates with an outpouring of love as strong as what was received, then there is no better armor that humanity can wear against those who would try to strip away our hope and strength with their acts of terror.

I remember the terrible events of 9/11. But I have inside a greater appreciation and love for Cecily and others like her who never stop fighting and who open themselves up to the world. I have a greater appreciation and love for all of the people who step in without question or need of thanks to help a stranger; giving what they can because they believe every little bit can still help. I am proud that these people inspire me to try and be the same.

So, on this 9/11, thank "you" Cecily, from me, for your letter and your strength. Thank you for not letting me just coast through 9/11 without fully appreciating not just who and what we lost that day, but what we did not and will never lose as human beings with people like you and all of those that supported and continue to support you. I am a better person for experiencing even a small part of your journey.

+miri dunn's latest post about helping Cecily:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/111983961140937248134/posts/HY3tMjUK1Yw
Cllick the #forcec  link to find even more posts.

Huffington Post article about 9/11 charities:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/11/911-charities-_n_3908053.html

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