Victoria Noe

Award-winning Author, Speaker, Activist

9/11 and Cumulative Grief

In six months, we will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
For some people – probably most – 9/11 is something that happened years ago.  The History Channel runs specials periodically, and many books have been written concerning that day.  In truth, a lot of people are tired of hearing about it.
Most people weren’t directly affected by the loss of life.  Some people – like me – knew someone who died that day. 
But for a select group, the losses they suffered are almost unimaginable.
“Therapists treated traders who lost dozens of close friends in the towers, police officers who lost everyone in their unit, firefighters who ‘knew 100 people who were dead,’ and former employees of Windows on the World who had skipped work the day of the attack, with the result that ‘everyone they know is dead.’”  - Therapy After Terror
‘Dozens’
‘100’
‘Everyone’
Grieving one friend can overwhelm you.  How do you grieve 10? 50? 100?
Take a moment to think about your circle of friends and co-workers.  Imagine if one day they were gone, all of them.  Imagine how your life would change: not just your physical work place, but the little rituals and traditions you share with your friends. 
Think about the thousands of people who survived that day, but lost so many friends.
And be grateful for your friends.


Monday – Spreading the News Online
Wednesday – Memorializing Your Friends - Story Corps
Friday – “Let’s Be Careful Out There”


Copyright © Victoria Noe.

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