Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Back- And I'm Bringin' A Book With Me

The Read: The Day The World Came To Town : 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

The Writer: Jim DeFede

The Dealio: This is a non-fiction accounting of an experience which was totally unknown to me before I was introduced to this book. But, now that this gap has been filled, I can't seem to stop recommending this read 'em.
Thirty-eight airliners, with a total of 6,000 souls on board,  bound for the US on 9/11, were forced, by a series of circumstances, to land in Gander, Newfie.
Although this certainly imposed a gigantic burden on the tiny island, all were met with open arms, a warm welcome and enormous goodwill.
For four days, the peeps of Gander arranged shelter, food, even care for animals also detoured due to the attacks in the US.  Religious services were held, access to phones, emails and televisions were generously provided through the local school (although, initially,  carefully managed, due to fears the 'visitors' would become overwhelmed by the wall-to-wall, graphic  coverage on network TV).
Bus drivers came off strike to help ferry people to stores- where, typically their money was refused. For many, this was the beginning off unusual, but long-term friendships. Many have returned to Gander to check in with or vacations with their 9/11 hosts.
The 'visitors' responded by establishing a scholarship fund for the children of Gander, helping to provide computers and other needs in thanksgiving. How much do I love this!

The Grading Sesh : 4.999 pengies out of 5. As always, your mileage may differ.

Lessons Learned: With all the discussion, re-discussion, blame, fear, anger and anxiety surrounding 9/11, why did I never hear about the one thing that would have been balm to my broken heart and wounded soul after the tragic events of that day- and  all the days that immediately followed, piling on, as it were? So now that I know, what lessons have I learned? That, in times of extreme tragedy and devastation, it is essential that we look for ways to help, to heal and to reach out to our fellow peeps. And not only in such extreme cases of need. It's, like, our duty, our privilege and a great antidote for the hate and divisiveness- which we have a-plenty. We don't need any (ANY!) more of that.  How about, as the song goes, we 'try a little tenderness', see how that works.