The Sound of Silent Reflection

In less than two days we will be marking the sixth anniversary of September 11th, a day that transformed us as a nation and personally in ways that only each of of us can know. Who knew on that day as we prepared for work, for school, for life that a new unwanted horizon was about to open up that we would be confronting and grappling with for years to come? Another day of infamy on a warm perfect morning.

For me, I happened to be at the center of the universe that day, on Manhattan Island. I was not near the World Trade Center and knew no one who worked there so I thought how lucky I was to have escaped direct impact. I was wrong. I didn't realize that one of the security people at the school I worked for was also a fireman. His name was Ruben. Like so many others when the alarm went off that morning he climbed aboard his truck to answer the call they all understand. But this one would be his last. He was one of the 343 firemen who would leave this world before the clock struck noon. I only knew him briefly but I'll always remember his smile. I attended his funeral and to this day keep a rose I was given there preserved. My own personal remembrance.