Sometimes I Feel Small

Two historical events in my life I can remember like they were yesterday.  It seems they were burned into my mind.

The first was when JFK was assassinated November 22, 1963. I was just getting started into my 14th year and doing what I became a success at in Junior High, not much of anything. The other was September 11, 2001, the 9/11 attack of course. I remember turning on the news and seeing the damage of the first attack and then watching the second. My first move was calling my wife who was a manager of a book store very close to Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. My second move was to get to work early. I was the manager of a very busy casual dining restaurant/bar also within a 25 mile radius of the base. We didn't deal in much direct active military but dealt with an incredible number of civilians who worked on the base.

Of course the base went on lock down and the rumors were flying concerning what kind of an attack were we under and specifically what would that mean to the area around "Wright Patt."  Starting in the early afternoon my place filled up as people preferred getting around my large bar, consuming adult beverages and watching the four or five televisions. Very quickly staffing became a problem with employees uncertain if they should leave their families to come to work.

All in all unforgettable memories to be sure but quickly I started to realize how really  insignificant my problems were in the grand scope of the world.

On this anniversary of 9/11 though it's fitting to pause and remember those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice of their own life,  as well as those who rushed to the aid of the victims.

May the force be with them!