Thanks To A Long-Ago Teacher

I have been doing a bit of writing lately

OK, I've been doining quite a lot of writing before and after the recent remembrance of the events of 9/11. As I finished a post for next year's 9/11 remembrance, I realized how grateful I am that my middle school English teacher, whose name I don't rememer some some 60 years later, recognized and encouraged my writing skills.

Because of her, I joined the school newapaper, The Scoop. In high school I wrote bout the Russian club of which I was a .member. In graduate school, I wrote news releases for the local humane society where I volunteered and served on the board of directors. I also had several articles published in the city newspaper where I lived. I founded a donor magazine and provided articles and photographs for the publication. I received awards from the Dog Writers' Association of America. 

Seventeen years ago I started this blog. I have only a small following, but I didn't start the blog because I need thousands or millions of folllowers. I write it, as I always have, because I love to write.

People read my blog from countries throughout the world -- Russia, Vietnam, France, Canada, Brazil and dozens of others.

I'm sure my unamed English teacher has passed on, so there is no way to contact her and let her know what her encouragement has meant to me over the decades. 

So if you ever had a teacher who made a big difference in your life, and if that teacher is still alive, I think it would be great to thank that teacher for having an impact on your life.

A Sad Anniversary

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks on the United States. 

And unlike the idiot vice president of this country, who noted that we will soon be celebrating September 11, most sane people will not be celebrating this day. We will commemorate the day. We will reflect on the horrible loss of life that happened that day. We will shed tears as we recall there we were on that terrible day. But it sure as hell is not a day to celebrate.

Some 3000 American residents, some of them immigrants, lost their lives in those dastardly attacks. And life for the rest of us has never been the same. Little things, such as having to remove a jacket or take our shoes off or limit liquids or gels that we can carry onto the plane with us to 3.4 ounces and to be screened and patted down as security precautions in the airports, those are all a result of the events of September 11.

I worked for the federal government in California on September 11, 2001. As I approached the gates of the compound where I worked, I was surprised to see a long line of cars waiting to get in. One of the smaller gate was closed. Traffic at the main gate was seriously backed up. When I finally got to the gate, a guard, and the facility always had guards at the gate, asked which building I was going to. I told him, he closely inspected my badge, and then he inspected my car for explosives. Then I was cleared to drive to the building in which I worked, building N204.

I have written about this day previously. Nearly everyone at our center, except for people deemed essential, was sent home. I stayed and managed the public affairs office’s response to the events of that day. I drafted talking points for our senior management. I coordinated talking points with headquarters. I fielded countless questions from local reporters.

I didn't have time to process the events of that day or to grievee until I finally got a day off work a few days later. I remember foing for a walk during my lunch break one day, as I usually did. All flights had been canceled, so when I heard an airplane about to land at the airfiled we shared with the US Navy, I was panic-sticken. Fortunately, I had learned at a sentior staff meeting that morning that a military flight was expected, so my panic quickly subsided.

Even today, 25 years later, watching video or reading about that day brings me to tears. 

I read something this morning that bears repeating: The best way to honor those those on 9/11 is to be the people we wear on 9/12. Americans, regardless of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or any other things by which we sepearate ourselves, came together. Grief and anger united us. Indeed, the entire world, even our supposed enemies, came together with the United States.

As NBC News anchor Lester Holt said as he wrapped up the network's coverage of the events of 9/11, "What has happened to us?"

Be Well, Happy and At Peace

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 

I really like this quote that the venerable Buddhist monks use to close their Facebook posts. This is the group of monks that walked some 2,300 miles across part of the United States in the name of peace. They have done similar walks in other countries. This group of monks is based in the Dallas area. 

The monks are Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American. During their walks, they aim to spread mindfulness, non-violence and inner healing. They are accompanied by Aloka, known as the peace dog. Aloka is a former stray dog from India.The group's spiritual leader walked most of the route barefoot despite winter weather.

It was amazing to see how people were drawn to the monks. Everywhere the monks walked, they were greeted by crowds of supporters.

They also published the following: May all beings everywhere be free from hatred, be healthy, be safe, be peaceful and at ease in body and in mind, and may they meet no obstacles in their daily lives 🙏

What a lovely thought, especially during this chaotic, greed-filled time in our country country. Many find peace and solace in their dogs, so it shouldn't be a surprise that so many have been drawn to Aloka.

May he be well, happy and at peace. And may he have many more years of helping the monks spread their message, a message this world is sorely in need of hearing at this time.