To a Child

Perhaps I overheard this in a dream:

Mommy?

Yes, my love?

Why is everyone sad today?

They are sad because one day, this day, a while ago, some very yucky people had a very bad idea that hurt a lot of people.

Did the people die?

Yes they did.

Oh. I’m sad, too.

Yes, we are sad with them.

Did it happen a long time ago?

Not so very long ago. But it was before you were born.

Do they still miss them?

Oh yes. They always will. That’s mostly why we’re sad.

Were they angry, Mama?

Yes. And we still are.

Mama?

Yes, my love?

Do we hate them?

Why do you ask that?

Because they hurt our friends and family. I think we should hate them.

No, we don’t hate them.

But why not? We’re so sad and angry!

The people who did this want us to hate them. They want us so mad and hateful that we can’t see straight. They want us unable to think because we are so, so hurt and scared and angry. They want us to do their work for them.

What do you mean, do their work for them?

The kind of people who do bad things like this don’t believe in love like we do. They don’t believe in peace and kindness like we do. So, if they can make us so angry that we forget what we believe in, then they have made us like them. That way we will do their job for them. And they would win.

If we can’t hate them, what do we do? We are so angry!

We build.

We build? Build what.

We build good things.

What kind of things?

We build friendships. We build bridges. We relationships. We build up our knowledge. We build up our support systems. We build up the love and hope in the world. Mostly we build up each other. Because if we do that together we are strong. And we will win.

Mommy, can we do that?

Do what?

Try to win.

We must try to win.

Good. Let’s do that. It sounds so much better than being hateful like them.

Yes, it does.

***

I write these words in loving memory of those lives lost on September 11th. That their legacy will be one of love.

Today I am grateful for the words given to me.

Today I am grateful for the men and women serving our country. Let us aim them with strength, efficiency and where they will do the most good.

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to show love and kindness to the world for another day.

Today I am grateful for my freedoms so hard-fought and won by those before me.

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to choose to turn toward the light.