So, in my last post I was writing about inspiration and the wonderful Firday night concert at the Schermerhorn, featuring Yo-Yo Ma. Here's the rest of the story:
The following Saturday, I was inspired by the people who attend 5:00 Mass, here at St. Ann's. It was a special mass. The Knights of Columbus were here at St. Ann's for their installation ceremony and dinner, and joined us for Mass. All those Knights dressed in their uniforms with capes on their shoulders, plumes in their hats, swords at their sides, were an impressive sight to see. After communion, we took a moment to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks, by singing a song. I chose "This is My Song" as our meditation. Everyone, I mean everyone, was singing. People who hadn't sung a single note during the entire Mass, were singing. It was a beautiful moment, as we used the thoughtful text of the song, with it's beautiful melody, to express our hope for unity and peace in the world. (The song is #650 in our Music Issue, if you'd like to take a look at it.) After the Mass, several people told me how nice it was to have that moment to sing together, cry together and process their sadness.
Later, after dinner, I watched two documentaries about the firefighters who had been the first to respond when the towers were struck. One was specifically about the women fire fighters. I was awed by the passion these people have for their jobs, their respect and compassion for humanity...even in the face of danger. One woman told how she was buried for hours when one of the towers fell. The physical and emotional toll on all these emergency responders is great, even 10 years later. I was impressed with their attitudes: they felt fortunate to be there, to help people in a desperate time, to give of themselves. They still get up every day and do their best, in spite of the physical and emotional stress. One particular woman, for the first time in her life, turned to art. She started drawing and painting and it proved to be a wonderful therapy for her.
I hope these feelings and images stay with me: The wonderful music at the Schermerhorn - especially the singing of our National Anthem with such a large crowd of people, on the eve of the anniversary of the attacks; the way my friends, neighbors and complete strangers united our voices in song to honor and remember the lost lives; the way the surviving emergency workers carry on with life - feeling fortunate instead of despairing. How music and art help us unite, express and cope with troublesome times. It certainly inspires me!