The Kindness of Strangers

Today is September 11.  A day of reflection and remembrance. A day of where we instinctively remember where we were and what we were doing. For me, I had just finished a shower when my roommate yelled down a plane has hit the World Trade Centre. My first thought was that must be some serious New York fog for this to happen. Before I left for work, I saw the second plane hit the WTC. Something huge and scary was happening.

Within the hour the true extent would be known. Airspace was closed throughout North America. Planes landed at the nearest airport. Eastern Canada took the majority of the planes. Here in Winnipeg 15 planes were diverted. People were calling into the airport and the media asking how they could help. The stories about the people of Gander have been well documented. Reading the stories over and over again bring tears to my eyes. The outpouring of love and support cannot be measured it was experienced and is lasting.

The kindness of strangers was evident that day. First responders unselfishly risking their lives and losing their lives. The heroic acts of bravery of every day citizens like the passengers on United 93 fighting back to prevent further tragedy. The tale of the Man with the Red Bandana Welles Crowther an equity trader and volunteer firefighter who saved 18 life’s inside the towers before losing his own life.

The kindness of strangers is everywhere. I heard a story today about 2 high school students in Memphis who witnessed a fellow student who was being bullied for wearing the same clothes every day. They took it upon themselves to gather up new and used clothing and present it to this student so he would not be subjected to further bullying.

The picture represents a contrast between one of the worst days in my lifetime and one the happiest weeks  of my life. A Carnival Caribbean cruise with my sweetheart. It was her first cruise. Watching her experience it and relive it brings great joy.

Life is full of great joy and great sadness. Extreme emotions and the kindness of strangers. Be kind at all times. Be supportive and be engaged in life.