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My Personal Plea on 9-11

By Lisa Dunham

Real Estate Agent

September 11, 2011 02:22 PM

I'm Sorry I feel lucky that I did not know any of the victims from the 9-11 attacks. However, that did not stop my heart from aching or the tears from running down my face as I watched the 9-11 coverage this weekend. I hurt…not only for the victims of 9-11...but for the family members and friends they left behind. As we remember the tragedies of 9-11 and all that it means to each of us, I pray that you are strengthened and comforted each day forward. And in all things, trust God's wisdom as He continues to direct the events and occurrences in your life.

My plea…

During the coverage of 9-11, I listened to many people…mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, uncles, aunts, grandmothers, grandfathers, and friends...remind us of the horrific pain that comes with losing a love one. While many have found the courage and strength to move forward, others remain paralyzed with grief. As a young woman who lost her beloved father at age 18, I can honestly say I understand your pain. I still vividly remember the day my father passed away. Strangely enough, it happened in September.

In memory of the victims of 9-11, I ask each of you to search your hearts and your minds and if there is anyone that you have been conflicting with…arguing with…disagreeing with…or refusing to talk to...it is time to make amends! Life is too short to continue holding a grudge, regardless of the circumstances. If you have harmed someone in the past or have mistreated another human being…whether it is your mother, father, sister, brother, co-worker, or friend…it is time to make amends before it is too late. Even if you feel that you were wronged and the other party should be the first to apologize, I plead with you to be the bigger person and apologize. And remember, an apology is just that…an apology. It need not come with explanations or expectations. It is simply spoken from the heart.

I wish you well and if you would like to share your story of apology with me, please feel free to write to me at Lisa@LisaDunham.com. Be Blessed!

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David Farrell

David V. Farrell Co. - Garden City, NY

Licensed NY State Real Estate Broker

Lisa - I love that. It's a little gesture, but could you imagine if everyone took that one step? It would make one huge difference. I love your post. Anything relating to today is difficult to write about. However, you wrote a very nice piece. I knew more than a dozen people who were killed in 9/11. Today is not fun where I live, not that it is a pleasent memory anywhere. We know several widows and even two 9 1/2 year old children, born not long after their fathers were killed.

Sep 11, 2011 02:27 PM

Lisa Dunham

Alexandria, VA

Associate Broker, Alexandria Virginia Real Estate

David, your story is precisely why it has been a difficult day for me. I cried on and off all day. I hurt so much for those who have lost loved ones, but I am deeply pained by the children who no longer have mothers and fathers as a result of this tragic event. Thank you for sharing your story with me and for the many prayers we continue to pray for the victims of 9-11.

Sep 11, 2011 02:43 PM

As for getting through September 11 - maybe a little laugh will help you out. It certainly cannot hurt. The sad part is, on the 12th we get back to our lives, while the families of the victims never will be able to do so. Its the 1st responders now that are scary to see. I have friends who seem like they can barely breath, catch pneumonia like we catch a cold, and are on steroids and inhalents all to counter the effects of breathing what they were digging in for weeks. They are very illl and need help. They are not a group taking advantage of others. In fact, the families of victims that received millions should be helping these people out. I don't remember victims of Oklahoma City or the first World Trade Center being compensated for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. How come the people who made a choice to work in that place at the wrong time are now having their medical claims denied? Sad.

Sep 11, 2011 03:11 PM

OH MY! This is absolutely heartbreaking! Why is it that people who go out of their way to help others cannot be rewarded with the same level of assistance? This is the same problem that goes on with our military veterans. It is so sad and I feel horrible for them.

Sep 11, 2011 03:20 PM

Joni Bailey

101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX

Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

A lOvely post, Lisa. Forgiving is not for the wrongdoer, it is for us. Forgiving releases their hold on us and sets us free! :)))

Sep 11, 2011 04:48 PM

Aida Pinto

Independent Real Estate Broker - Los Angeles, CA

Real Estate Broker (562) 884-6196

Hi Lisa..."time to make amends"....you said it well!

Sep 11, 2011 06:35 PM

Absolutely Joni! Forgiveness is all about setting "self" free...and this indeed a great reward!

Sep 12, 2011 12:52 AM

Thanks Aida! Life is too precious to hold grudges. It is time to let it go and get back to what's important...each other!

Sep 12, 2011 12:55 AM

Janet Jones

Just Your Style Interiors, LLC - Kihei, HI

Home Staging, Interior Redesign Kihei, Maui, Hawaii

Hi Lisa--what a beautifully written post. You are so right that life is much too short to hold grudges or be angry. In today's paper I saw a photo of a mother weeping as she kissed the name of her deceased son on the Memorial Wall. Ten years later the grief is still so raw. We should remember how quickly those we love can be taken from us.

Sep 12, 2011 05:06 PM

Thank you Janet! We can spend a lifetime being angry about something that has minimal value. In fact, as time goes by, we often forget why we're angry. Life is short and we never know when someone is going to be taken from us. It is time to put "little things" aside and make amends while there is still time.

Sep 13, 2011 01:12 AM

My Personal Plea on 9-11

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