The way I look at it, if I died, I wouldn't want people remember me in some big production. I'd rather they just keep doing what they always do, but maybe just step it up notch, just for me.
So today when I rode my bike, I opted not to attend any of the big 9-11 rallies around here, and just hit up Angeles Crest Hwy and hit them twisties a little harder than I normally would, just for the men and women who lost their lives nine years ago today.
That's my way of expressing freedom.
We followed suit with you. One of our riding pals was here visiting so we took him on a tour of our favorite roads (yes... we have twisties!) and just dedicated the miles to all the victims and their families.
ReplyDeleteBefore we left the house, I surfed You Tube, trying to find a really nice tribute of 9/11 to post on my blog. As I sat there and watched several different vids, I was surprised at how these images still made me cry... after 9 years. I felt angry and frustrated all over again, and the present state of our country didn't help my feelings any.
We rode over 250 miles yesterday and even though it was a great day for riding, the somberness never left my heart all day. I know that freedom comes with a price, but senseless acts of violence are beyond my comprehension.
I pray for the victim's families and friends, in hopes that they can somehow, find peace and comfort.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
Very nice. Everyone should mark the date in the way that is most personal to them. To many, that does not mean going to a big organized event. I like what you did.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how stress/sadness can make us seek solace in actions that could potentially compound those feelings. I've done the same thing - perhaps we all have. The rehabilitative properties of (or endorphins released from) an exhilarating ride, convince us to mute our "play it safe" survival instincts and instead, risk our well-being to heal emotionally.
ReplyDeleteNot to be confused with every-day practice and testing/expansion of our skills, these events push us physically and mentally beyond our usual incremental and quantifiable increases in performance. Is our subsequent healing due to an increased focus upon our task at hand, which forces our thoughts to something less painful? Or are we rescued from ourselves by a fear/flight/fight/survival induced chemical reaction?