Gone is gone.

Most likely, people will remember many details from 9/11. There was the overwhelming sadness, along with the powerful element of shock. I , to this day nine years later, cannot believe that the two towers are gone...totally demolished, and the far reaching effects of how many lives were forever changed. Friends of grieving people... ache for the pain that they see and hear because it is hard to witness sadness.

Thursday night I received a phone call from a very good friend whose voice I didn't even recognize. She was close to incoherent as she managed to get the words out that her father had passed away in his sleep. Her [out of state] parents had just been here for a two week visit, which included a short vacation with their daughter before the new school year began. Her dad was looking forward to getting home, and the fishing trip he had planned. He went on that fishing trip. The most obvious thought seems to be that for her dad...well, he died while on a fishing trip [his personal refuge] and while he slept. You really couldn't ask for a more peaceful transition.

For those who love him and will miss him terribly, it hits hard and it hurts. His wife, daughter and son, grandson, relatives and friends will always remember him as a good man...a good friend.

The loved ones of those who died on 9/11 remember the shock of its occurrence, and the sadness that it brought to so many people. God bless them and God help anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief is painful.

Call and/or hug your loved ones. Help anyone you can through a bad time. It reminds me of a saying that my family is particularly sensitive to : Always leave home with loving words for they may be the last.

And there you have it: My thoughts for today.

Peace be with us...everyone...everywhere.