amazing grace.

I woke up this morning replaying events in my mind again. This time it wasn't the birth of Grace, in fact, it can be argued that it was the shattering of it. September 11th 2001 stands out in my mind as one of the most poignant days I've ever lived. Since classes were cancelled at UB, Jenn and I decided to meet up at TGI Fridays, but it wasn't our typical lunch or happy hour meeting. We spent the entire day there--drinking, eating lunch, drinking, eating dinner, and drinking. What I remember best was that the bar was filled with people, and you would have thought it was a banquet, that we all knew each other, that we were friends, or even family. We all talked to each other with a familiarity that was born of what we shared--a mutual sense of shock, of sorrow, and of fear. The events of 9/11 were brutal, but somehow its spirit brought a sense of neighborly love and respect among friends and among strangers.

I wondered this morning as I lay in bed: How will I explain to Grace what happened that day? Will it be for her a story that brings fear of strangers, that there are nameless faceless people in this world who have set their sights on hurting her? Or will it be as mythical to her as the Blizzard of '77 was for me?

I believe that if Grace is going to be fearful of anything in life, that fear should come as a result of her own experiences and not cautionary tales from her mother's. At the same time, it's also my job to shed light on reality for her, to speak with candor and honesty about my own experiences so that she is not shell-shocked by truth.

Part of the reality of 9/11 for me is that as Americans, we do have the ability to walk together, to unite with a common purpose, to share neighborly love...something that today, given the divisiveness of American politics, we have completely lost sight of. I will explain to Grace the great tragedy that occurred that day, but I will also highlight the Amazing Grace bestowed on our country in our ability--if even for a moment--to connect with one another

During Grace's "cranky time" each night, I sing the song to her. Unfortunately, I only know two verses by heart. Without fail, it calms her into a peaceful state that I hope she'll carry with her into adulthood. In the spirit of me learning the song so that I can sing more than two verses tonight and in remembrance of that horrific yet inspiring day seven years ago:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

In remembrance...