M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

September 11, 2001
by Peggy Proctor

It was early this morning after jogging around my quiet neighborhood, I began tidying up the garage when my good friend, Linda, on a morning stroll asked, "What are you doing today?" Little did I suspect what I or the rest of the world would be doing this day of days.

A neighbor called with the news. "Oh, it's horrible. The World Trade Center has just been hit by a plane and the Pentagon too. Terrorists..." Her words trailed off as I clicked through the channels with the remote. I had just been in New York less than two weeks ago to settle our daughter, Kristen into her new apartment in upper Manhattan and to get her securely oriented at Columbia University.

Though peace enveloped me, I stood before the screen in utter disbelief. Is this a movie or just a terrible dream that I can awaken from and go back to sweeping the cobwebs out of the corners? I shook my head over and over again; this cannot be happening! My eyes were riveted and transfixed on the tragic and sobering sight, but knew I must pick up the telephone. As I started to dial, the phone rang. It was my husband away in another sector of the country who had also tuned in on this frightful specter. "I haven't been able to reach Kristen. The phone just gives this funny little sound, like the line is busy," he said.

We made a round of calls to sisters, brothers, nephews and friends who worked in D.C. or Manhattan, but the line was dead to Kristen's apartment.

At last the awaited phone call came. A tearful voice on the other end said, "Mother, I was at school and heard about the crash and raced up to the tenth floor to watch the TV and saw the second building get hit.

"Mother, pray for all the people and their families. Pray that they will be comforted."

"I know. I will," I said, "it is so horrible. Are you going to be all right? I'm so glad you have the Spirit to wrap loving arms around you. Get some extra food to have on hand."

"I just heard another explosion," she interjected. "Call, Dad; he is taking this hard, and call Grandma and the others and let them know that I'm okay."

Later came this email from her to all the family:

Hello wonderful family,

I just wanted you to know that so far everything is all right. We're organizing places as well as food for those who cannot leave the island or live downtown to stay. It doesn't appear that there is any chemical or biological threat. We're not to leave the neighborhood unless there is a need for volunteers; we'll find out in a couple of hours. This is all so tragic. From our balcony we watched the second tower fall this morning. We're concerned about family and friends working in the Towers and in the area. Dad said that Lance Pritchett works there. Many people are very broken up emotionally, children in the area are especially traumatized. Pray for the comfort of all of the people and for peace. This is so sad. I love you all.

Kristen

It wasn't until late afternoon when reports started coming in of the acts of humanity, that I could finally cry. The firemen and policemen, some who had given 40 years of service, or were retired, or had been on vacation came to help. Many of them went down with the building. A man trapped in the subway for some hours related the relative calm and peace over the people who were doing an unheard of thing, giving up their seats in the subway in the spirit brotherhood.

The Red Cross was full to over flowing with blood donors. There were the myriad of medical personnel, some who became injured themselves, healing the physical and emotional wounds with great compassion. And there were the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers. One group of brawny and brave construction workers stands out in my mind. When a reporter asked one why he was going in there, he puffed out his chest as he lengthened his stride fearlessly, "If there is one life in there that I can save, that's all, one life,"

Mayor Guiliani said that we have enough volunteers, more than enough, but tomorrow or the next day-people will tire and nerves wear thin.

What are the questions on people minds? "Will there be war?" said an elderly woman. What is next? How can we help? We had had a shared experience, so enormous in its impact, that every other small, concern seemed to vanish before it.

I later replied to Kristen's mail with this:

Dearest Kristen,

I pray that that the Comforter will warm you, ease your pain and that of all the nation and particularly the families of those who have lost or given their lives. I am still stunned. I have watched the succession of events a hundred times today and still shake my head in disbelief.

Tears came when I heard of the beautiful humanity that surfaced in the wake of this terrible tragedy. I know you will have the spirit to guide you in giving words of comfort to those in real trauma.

I called Em's school to have them tell her that she had a dental appointment today. They called her to the office; she was panicked that something was wrong with you! "My heart was pounding," she said. " I felt terrible to have caused her such fright.

Our friend Lance Pritchett who used to work in the Towers lives in Boston now and so is fine. Becky doesn't work at the Pentagon any longer. Shawn was in the Senate building and all were evacuated quickly. He had to leave his car and go on foot to a friend's house on the hill.

At 11:00 I unglued myself from the news and made some phone calls for dad. It was really hard. It seemed irreverent to be transacting business on such a solemn day. I trust you were able to get the needed supplies and food. Are all of your friends back there okay? I heard the report that all the missionaries are accounted for and all right. I thought about all the cute young people in your ward and wondered about their condition, but then they have the Holy Ghost to help and comfort them. I pray for all the members there and for all the good people who love the Lord and for those who might be turned to him through this unspeakable nightmare. I am grateful for the peace I feel in your behalf. I am grateful for you, my beacon in a troubled world.

Be strong and be of good cheer. Good and God will triumph over all.

Write me when you can. I love you more than all the world.

Mom

What does the Lord do about war or tragedy? When evil is so raw and rampant in the world, how can the Lord's purposes ever be served? The records show that it is sometimes in the darkest hour that people's hearts are softened. As we have seen already, brotherhood and love have swelled as we search for some way to help. People who haven't gone to church or prayed, attend and are on their knees. When the heart is pliable, what is it ready to receive?

This is when the Lord needs all of us to volunteer. The army of Helaman will step forward --and just as President Bush said, terrorists may shake the foundation of these buildings, but those who oppose this silent and deadly evil will stand together and we will not fall! Just as volunteers have rallied together to save lives and rescue the stranded, so, we of the covenant, will have opportunity to bring the world His truths, by our faith, prayers and acts of kindness and love that will raise them from despair and bring them hope and peace.

A letter and poem from Terry Silva came into my e-mail yesterday before this nightmare with its hellish hues was thrust upon us.

Brother Silva wrote that not long ago he had been on a plane talking to a man who was investigating the gospel. The man was on his way to visit his brother who was actively discouraging him from becoming baptized. Later that week when the two talked again by phone, Brother Silva felt prompted that something was wrong with his new friend, so he sent him a little encouragement. It came at the right time for the fragile investigator and later that week he was baptized and wrote to say, "I feel as though a huge burden has been lifted from me."

In response Brother Silva said, "I wrote these words, dedicated to all converts to the restored gospel."

Conversion

Coming home to a place I've never been before.

Feeling safe and warm as I walk through the door.

Remembering truths I hear for the first time,

Learning precept on precept, and line upon line.

Hearing a familiar voice I had never before heard.

Gaining new knowledge with each whispered word.

Casting away errors taught from my early youth.

Gathering new light as I remember the Truth.

Shedding tears of joy, not being able to speak.

Feeling strongest when submissive, humble and meek.

 

Walking from darkness into the beckoning light,

Seeing restored truth with a spiritual sight.

Sharing a priceless treasure that no man can buy.

Being led down a path without knowing why.

Being far from a loved one, yet never so close,

Connecting over the miles through the Holy Ghost.

Marrying again the one true love of my life.

Being sealed eternally as husband and wife.

Falling deeper in love growing closer to God

Planting my family roots in deep gospel sod.

Grieving no more for dear loved ones who die,

Knowing there will never be a final goodbye.

Meeting a stranger who has always been a friend.

Sharing a bond without a beginning or end.

Speaking new words prompted by the Spirit to say.

Doing His work while receiving no earthly pay.

Being filled with a fire that burns from deep within.

Gaining a greater faith and forgiveness for sin.

Being cleansed by water, then purified by fire.

Hearing unheard verses sung by an unseen choir.

Knowing the Truth, and that the Truth will make us free.

Opening once blind eyes that can now clearly see.

Being filled with Christ's presence in an empty room.

Hearing Him whisper softly, "Behold, I come soon."

Kneeling at my Savior's feet, embraced by His hands,

Covenanting forever to obey His commands.

Embracing the light, pure as the driven snow.

Believing before, but now I surely know.

Forsaking old habits without regret or complaint.

Learning to run and not be weary, walk and not faint.

 

And [I add] to those who have had their root foundations shaken, this fateful day, "We're going in there, "If there is one life in there that I can save, that's all, one life.

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.