Remember 9/11 and Make a Difference

My best friend died that day in the Pentagon.  We established a scholarship fund in her honor (The Angie Houtz Memorial Fund) for exactly the reasons you mentioned.  It was a way for her life and death to not feel so senseless and for us to use her wonderful example to help other people.  To date we have given out $45,000 in scholarships.  The fund is run entirely by my husband and I and her two sisters and their husbands.  We solicit donations, organize fundraisers, and read through all the applications.  It's a lot of work but it's fulfilling because it helps create a larger sense of purpose beyond just working day to day.  Thanks for reminding us all to use this tragedy to become better people. 

Great point, Bob.  Life is more than just about our self.  It's about making a difference, espcially in others' lives.  I was fortunate enough that day to escape with my life, but not the memories--I worked across the street from the Towers.  Every year at this time, a select group of friends/family wish me a happy birthday.  I always think what if. . .but am so grateful every time I look at my two-year old son.

Hi Bob -- Your post is very is very inspiring.  We all have shortcomings, myself included, I think it's just part of of the maturation process.  I try to effect positive change in people's lives, mainly financial, by starting my own real estate brokerage, as if I can implement ways to increase a seller's net financial bottom line so they can in turn use that money that they may not otherwise happen, I view that as helping a person/family, one at a time and it's immensely rewarding for me.  Different goals/criteria for buyers, some overlap a seller in reverse, but this can also be rewarding as home is so important, so helping a buyer make a wise financial and practical decision is also immensely rewarding.  On a personal level, I determined before my kids were born that I only get one shot at being the best dad I could be, so I strive for that everyday.  I also try to be kind and be a good steward of the environment and give financially to various causes.  At this point in time, that's all I feel I can effectively give without sacrificing time for my family.  So, I feel pretty good, but I do recognize there is always so much more to do that it's disheartening at times, after having traveled the world, to see the vast disparities on this planet.

Hi Bob,  Another great read.  I'm just thankful that idiot in northern Florida didn't follow through with the Kuran burning !

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember when this tragedy happened and all of us were a little kinder to one another all across this nation?

May we not forget.

Bob, great post.  We will never forget, and, it is these life defining moments that give us inspiration to be better people, live, work and love better.  I would look forward to another post on what brought about your new "endeavor".  For the most part we are led to these things.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect and sharing your thoughts with us.

How refreshing to read a 9/11 blog that has a positive message without any reference to how Evil Islam is. Thank You!

Hi Bob, We have been doing a great deal of reflecting lately too and making changes where necessary and improving our involvement with others. It is important for all of us to remember and to go forward, thankful for the gifts we have been given and to honor the memory of those who have been lost. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, this is such a painful time for so many it is good to see others who are looking to the light and for a way to focus on what is good.

Who could EVER FORGET Sept 11th!   What a sad , sad day for the USA and the world.

Patricia

I will never forget 9/11/2001. My son called me from college and asked 'What the heck is happening?" I'd hoped to never have to say to him we are under attack. Being a combat veteran my wish was always that my sons would never see the world through the eyes of war.

Bob - Your post is wonderful, wonderful. Reflective and inspirational. Thank you and Congrats on the feature. EXCELLENT post.

Bob,  great post and thanks for the inspring thoughts. Your work with the young people at church will pay off many,many times over!  God Bless You you and your wife for the efforts.

Bob,

         That was a great post! It does remind us to stop and smell the roses life is too short! I applaud the efforts with the kids! It is sad to think that some children do not have dreams!

Thanks for the post Bob.  The tragedy of 9/11 definately puts things in perspective.   What a great perspective to remember the event with the intent of creating a more harmonious and purposeful life.  The ripple effect of the tragedy touched millions and yet, the ripple effect of our own nature and choices has the possibility to touch just as many.  Happiness begets happiness and vice versa. 

What a challenge to work on how we choose to touch others... what's our personal 'ripple effect' and do we take responsibility for it?

Kudos to you for your help with distressed teens;  It seems with people of compassion around them, they too may be in a position to share their light one day.  Thanks again for the post!

Bob, everyone who was spared that day should view the rest of their life as a gift and a higher purpose. We had a moment of silence today at BAR camp, and the speaker, a Manhattanite, said that she lives her life every day after that event, and we all knew what she meant. 

Bob - sometimes there is a lesson in life's saddest moments for us all .....  if we all moved one step closer to selflessness from selfishness perhaps some good could come out of this terrible event.

Bob, 9/11 for all of us can mean it can all change in an instant and that is a very sobering thought.