Thursdays Random Acts of Kindness (Article 1) ~ Reflection on 9/11/01

September 11, 2014

Mickey911

This weeks Random Acts of Kindness blog will be a little different, due to the date it has fallen on. I think it’s important to remember and reflect on the events of 9/11/01, and to also learn from that day that changed so many. That being said, here are my thoughts for tonight…

13 years ago, our Country was changed forever. Do you remember where you were when you first heard of the terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001? I know I sure do. I was a young mother with my newborn at home, watching the television in absolute horror and disbelief as to what I was seeing. How could something like that happen, and on American soil? Who would do such a thing? What kind of a world did I just bring an innocent child into, and what would his future hold? I was scared and shaken to the core, like most people who were glued to the television that day. It broke my heart, seeing people walking around, holding signs and photos of their loved ones, looking for those who were not accounted for. It was awful. It was a dark day for America, but out of tragedy something good occurred. People actually united together to join forces to show that there was good in our world, and that evil wouldn’t win. Do you remember that part?

Acts of kindness ran rampant after the 9/11 attacks. People were helping each other, being there for each other, lending a hand where it was needed. It didn’t matter what walk of life you were from, where you lived, what ethnicity you were, all of those things just faded away. People were looked at as equals, as brothers and sisters, and we needed to help each other out. That was the beautiful outcome for so many, and I think sometimes we forget that it’s good to treat each other well regardless of the situation. We don’t have to wait for a tragedy to occur in order to keep other peoples needs and feelings to the forefront of what we do. Kindness can be shared every day, even if it’s just a little gesture. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone else who really needs it.

The Genie Transportation Services

If you go to the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom, there is a small excerpt in their production of President Bush speaking from Ground Zero. Those few seconds make me cry pretty quickly. I remember sitting in my rocker at home, holding my 3 month old son and crying while watching what was going on that day. I think that excerpt needs to be just a little longer, as it was such a prominent moment in history. We were basically told that those in need have been heard, and help was coming one way or another. The evil that attacked us didn’t win in the long run, and goodness and human decency will prevail. Good always wins somehow, and it’s because of people who care and make efforts towards others. It’s something that we need to remember all of the time, not just on certain dates. People can make a difference, I fully believe that. Among all the dark things in this world, there is always a little light somewhere.

So, on the 13th anniversary of 9/11, lets reflect on not only what we lost that day, but the compassion and love strangers showed each other, not just then but in the weeks and months following. That kind of kindness can be shown every day if we just try. God Bless all of those who were effected that day, our prayers are always with you. ~M

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Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse
Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers.



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