Daily Reflection

It's a cloudy, rainy day in Marianna. Even so, I picked some wild grass for personal research. Now I sit in front of the computer doing an online reading and graphics simultaneously, only to stop to reflect on the history of this September 11th day. 

Today marked the 21st anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks, when nearly 3,000 people died when airplanes flew into New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. About an hour ago, President Joe Biden delivered remarks at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, about that horrific September 11th day. He said, "This is a day not only to remember but a day of renewal and resolve." Renewal and resolve. I'm all in.

While I upload art to photoshop, on the news, Queen Elizabeth II's coffin has arrived at the Scottish capital at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Queen died Thursday at the age of 96. Bystanders stood on top of Arthur's Seat to view all the sad unfolding scenes. Having visited Scotland and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2019, I remember the beauty of the place both inside and out. There is magic about it that is hard to put into words. It was remarkable seeing the Queen's coffin go through the same grand iron gate I had walked through and into the same building whose architecture, paintings, and sculptures I won't forget. It was truly remarkable and so unlike anything here I've visited.

I am proud to be alive and to have witnessed many changes in the world, good or bad. Having lived through a pandemic is something worth taking note of for future generations. Every story matters and is different. 

For the remainder of the day, I'll be learning about wild Japanese Stiltgrass, which grows everywhere in Marianna. It is also the first day I am back into my walking routine. It was just too emotional to walk the same path without our dog, River, who died nearly two months ago. It still is. But I am ready for "renewal" and "resolve."

 "Pageantry is a powerful narcotic." -Unknown.