posted
Given the events of recent times, I wonder how everyone is coping with life now?
I feel as though I am working under a huge dark cloud in very uncertain times and there is not a day goes by when I wonder if it is all worth the effort now.
This is not meant to re-open old wounds, the wounds are still on the surface, I feel immence sadness for all who lost their lives and the loved ones left to grieve, but the truth is, many countries have lived with this kind of horror on an ongoing basis for centuries. The difference this time is that it has happened to our American friends, so close to home.
So how are you coping with it all, knowing that if we allow it to stop us we are playing right into their hands?
This is NOT intended as an opportunity for anyone to get on a soapbox and start ranting or venting, so please think about your answer before you hit the button, okay.
I feel the need to talk it out, maybe you guys have already done that ( I am a new comer) so if you feel that it's all talked out then just move on and leave it , fair enough.
RobC
-------------------- Rob Clark Rob Clark Design 11 Lassig st Moore Park Queensland Australia 0741598092
Posts: 421 | From: Australia | Registered: May 1999
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HiYa Rob;We held a candelight moment of silence at the Duck Soup Letterhead Meet.This time spent on reflection,prayer,and resolve seemed to help. The "gloom" you speak of may best be overcome by way of seeking a power greater than yourself for inner peace known as the greiving process. Elephants do this as they pass by one of thier own dead,before they move on to where they are headed.As mammals,we are the same.As thinking humans,Fear of the unknown gets in our way. To try and help you with your situation.I can say this:There will ALWAYS be good and evil in the world.In the long run,good triumps over evil.If you are not part of the solution,then you are part of the promblem. BE PART OF THE "SOLUTION"
Hope this helps
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY
Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Rob. I agree you need to talk about it. My daughter (age 14) didn't talk about it at all in school. The teachers wouldn't allow it. My son (age 16) did talk about it at school. My daughter had a friend over after school the day of the terrorist attack..and when a helicopter flew over our house, both my daughter and her friend freaked out big time. I felt it was very important to talk about it. so we did......ALOT. From this horrible thing that happened, it has allowed us to see the so many good people that are in this world. There are alot of very good souls. We need to focus on this and move on.
Posts: 3729 | From: Seattle | Registered: Sep 1999
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Yeah, it's funny, I can't talk about it too much. I end up staring off in space with no words. It's like a calm before the big-ass storm that is most definitely coming. I'm holding my breath.
Everything else, including business seems trivial. This board and others I frequent seem to be slowing down. This topic's way too heavy and everything else is too frivolous. It's limbo.
Your feelings are normal. I feel the same way you do and the image of an airplane full of innocent, terrified people crashing into a skyscraper will live in my head and my heart forever. It's still enough to make me physically ill if I think about it for too long. But, we must go on and continue with living our lives and being good people in order to honor those who died and they would want us to do that.
As an emergency worker, we have stress debriefings that are supposed to help us but no amount of stress debriefing is going to help me on this particular incident. I use prayer a lot and just try to stay busy with my family and friends.
I'm glad you posted on this particular subject because too many people don't want to talk about it and I think some of us need to continue to talk about it.
We must never, ever forget what happened that day. Take care and God bless.
-------------------- Sharon Bigler A Good Sign Chambersburg, PA
Posts: 202 | From: Chambersburg, PA USA | Registered: Jul 2001
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I was working on some graphics with the TV on close by and I sure got an eyefull all day long, and for the next few days. It set me back drastically, in an emotional way
I figure many many, people feel this way and I say we put on a smile and start helping. Work is the best therepy for me. I want to help my customers take their minds off of the tradgey for just a few moments by giving them that extra little special perk they were not expecting.
You can use this opportunity to uplift others and gain deep respect from the community and some self respect for knowing you are a human and willing to hold your head up high, put on a happy face and encourage others to do the same.
Don't let this tragedy drag you into fear of what will be and deepen your depression. Have a good cry and now show the world this is not going to ruin your life!
posted
Hi Rob, Well after spending over 4 weeks in Canada doing four murals, I flew into the states (new Orleans) the day before the New York tragity.After wakeing up on that morning my Mate RT and I were just sitting on the couch having a coffee when his mum rang and told him to put on the TV which was just after the first plane hit. Well like everyone else we watched in total horror and disbeleaf. The first thing I did was rang home to tell my family I was OK, as it was late at night there and didnt want them to wake up to this on TV and have to worry anymore than they were already. As you could enagine there were many tense times for everyone and as i had to fly from alabama back to canada before flying home and all my flights in america were on United Airlines, i was nurvous to say the least. All my family , wife and kids were freaking out,and like you said we did a lot of talking about all that went on but mostly to ensure my kids i was safe and well. There is the whole distance factor here as well as time, as they just wanted dad home. What a week to be in the states. Kids are unreal, they understand more than we sometimes give them credit for. The last time I went to the states was on our honeymoon jan 1991......during the gulf war! hmmm setting a pattern huh! Anyway I made it home safe, I really enjoyed my stay upover in canada and america and would do it again. As you know Rob after being here only one week I was hospitalised with a disc bulge and massive pain, and doc says i'm out for at least 6 weeks. Not what a self employed one man sign shop needs after leaving his work load stack up over the last 6 weeks. So as they say, these things are set to try us out. Its amazing how you get thru tough times like this but i've got this far....
Chin up mate and keep on punching.
Cheers big ears!
Rod "ticks"
-------------------- Rod from, EAST COAST AIRBRUSHING "Airbrush Art & Graphics" Nambour; Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia E.mail: rod@rodticklesigns.com Web: www.rodticklesigns.com
posted
I have to admit, its sort of scary. Every time a plane goes over im watching it. The worst ones are the small pleasure airplanes.Orobably because they fly so low.Its a scary world out there. God Bless America, and all peace loving people around the world.
-------------------- Kevin L. Kleinhans Alma Signs (Signs Be Me) Alma, Michigan Posts: 139 | From: Alma, MI USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Seems as if I've always been drawn to looking at planes and jets as they fly over, I guess the same way you zone out watching TV. During those days that everything was grounded I felt as if someone had taken something away from us. Now when I see a plane in the sky I think that somehow it symbolizes our ability to bounce back and move on... not to forget, but to feel again as if something is still working as it should be.
I have a daughter that is engaged to one of our Air Force National Guard people. Many from his unit have been called up and I would imagine that by this next spring (our best opportunity to move into that area) he may be in a much different place both physically and mentally than we are today. He is scheduled to go to Kuwait in May. The wedding is planned for Sept. 2002. We all have high hopes that everything works out well.
I agree that we have to put on our best face here and become a shining example of how great we can be... at work, with our customers and at home with our families and friends. I think that we should not have to feel as if we are under a dark cloud, on the other hand though, we all should be a little more aware of things and not take things for granted. There are some pretty evil people out there and a lot of "them" don't like "us". I think that as this developes, we will separate the "thems" from the "us" and we will continue to be strong. That's the only way it can be.
You can get sick and tired of hearing about how to be positive in such a negative time but this is absolutely the only way we will be able to go on... with a positive attitude.
I hope this does not sound like a darn sermon or something because I am certainly not the kind of guy to deliver anything other than a better sign than I made yesterday.
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322
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I think I am coping rather well. Perhaps I'm the "Ostrich" with his head in the ground. I am not going to quote any verses here so as not to start a "rant", but I try to look at the good that has come out of it. Out of everything bad in our lives we can be defeated by dwelling on it or we can ask what we are to learn from the experience or how we can be strengthened by it.
I am 55 and there has never been a time in my adult life that I felt as patriotic as I do now. I drove to a nearby town to day and got teary eyed seeing all the flags waving and the signs in yards. I don't think I have ever seen people unite the way we are now.
I know that there was a LARGE price paid for all the love and unity being experienced right now. I don't take that lightly. We are all going to be changed forever because of the events of 9/11. I hope to be changed in a positive and not negative way.
I do have ONE question. If bin Ladden's greatest desire is REALLY martyrdom, why does't he come out and receive the honor he so justly deserves?
Ticks, I am sorry to learn that you are having back trouble. I wish only the best for you and the family.
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist.
Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Now the bombing has begun.. I don't know how to cope with the continuous brutality of human beings toward each other. I am, like Joe Rees, in a state of limbo... I am puzzled, not only with how, but with why? How can these people think so differently from me, and why do they insist that revenge is the same as justice? I always thought that Maslow's Heirarchy of needs applied to all humans, but apparently, some humans have gaps in their pyramids. Maybe this is what happens when the earth's population tops 6 billion... I just don't know. But I hate it. LE
-------------------- LazyEdna in RL known as Sara Straw from southern Utah 5 National Parks within 3 hours drive Red Rock Heaven Posts: 776 | From: Aurora, Utah, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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The world was already in God awful trouble before the WTC bombing, people have died horrible & gruesome deaths for a long long time maybe not as many at one time but even more yearly like murders, serial killers,rapist,child molestors & our laws let them go free. It's a real shame it took so many deaths to wake up our government to the disaster's of terrorism. The warning signs have been there for many years but they were to often ignored by our government. We have been an open target to many years our government has a lot of catching up to do.
-------------------- Ronnie Conrad Augusta,Ga Posts: 374 | From: Augusta,Ga. | Registered: Aug 2000
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I felt sick to my stomache on Sept 11. On Oct 7, I feel that dread all over again. A part of me fully expects anything in the sky to strike back.
I found some cling decals for my son's mural in his room. I bought them because of the train inside, but there was also an airplane. Placing the airplane on his wall felt extremely creepy.
posted
I’m as if covered in a heavy blanket of pain and apprehension. I’m depressed, lethargic, confused and tired. In the beginning, on that first horrible day of the attacks, I had a fantasy going. The planes, in my imagination, were manned with only the suicide bomber, and the buildings were evacuated in no time. Because denial is powerful, I did not let much in about the truth…..
I’m not all that different right now about being at war. It’s surreal. This is, after all the year 2001. By now we should have abandoned archaic ways to solve conflict, an eye for an eye is so medieval. There must be non- military solutions.
I was born at the end of WWII and am the child of pacifists and the sister to 5 conscientious objector brothers. I walked to Kindergarten and school along sides of buildings not yet rebuilt and counted bullet holes as I skipped along the torn sidewalks. Landmines were an ever present threat.
Yet, I am in a quandary. What to do? Like LE says where is this need for revenge in the human basic hierarchy of needs. Other than protecting our bottom from threat (food shelter, clothing) – are we feeling self –actualized in this revenge action where I can’t see how this could possibly lead to justice. Isn’t it a biblical thing about justice ( or was it revenge) not being ours to seek?
In the Gulf War I had a lot of strong opinions, and no problem stating them. With this one, I’m sure its obvious that I am at a loss and in search of a big rock with a cozy roomy place underneath to crawl into.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com
Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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The whole situation is outside of my hands, other than prayer for those involved. So I don't worry about it and it doesn't get me down.
Unfortunantly, I don't think a peaceful solution is possible when you have an enemy that seeks to do you harm. So I think it is being handled the right way, especially the dropping of food and supplies to the people of Afghanistan. The only problem I have is Osama's fate.
If he is killed he will be a martyr to his followers and more will join, at least for a while. If he is imprisoned it will invite the taking of hostages for trade. He should be captured by the CIA and given a sex change operation and released back to his buddies.
Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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O bin L in an extra tall tent of a cloak with a little tiny piece of netting over the eyes won’t be too alluring, (even with a lot of Chanel # 5...)
I’m in favor of rounding up the Afghani women, and telling the Taliban to turn over ObL or we send them all to college.
Or the US government could command Bill Gates to buy Afghanistan, and then just evict him into our custody.
And Glenn, on a side note: (Only real women get PMS)
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com
Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I am still choked up and really wondering what's going to happen next. I feel like the only thing I can do is pray more. I'm getting a lot more things done these days, things I put off for whatever reason...just to stay busy.
I'm not sure how to file all this in my mind in a place where it makes sense...because, to me, it doesn't.
[ October 07, 2001: Message edited by: Linda Silver Eagle ]
posted
I beleave in our great country and I think we all will be ok. I sat in the hospital watching all of the events take place on the 11th. Iwas overwelmed by sadness and concerned for the victoms I saw on tv. Being 27 years old I have never seen death in such a way. I have a new respect for life becouse while I was watching this unfold I was fortunate to be holding my 2 day old son Camron ! I beleave in my son and the peaple of this great nation. I like many of my freinds am willing to do what ever needs to be done to protect this great coutry . We will be ok. I know this becouse of Camron Edward Young.
-------------------- Ryan Young Indocil Art & Design indocil@comporium.net 803-980-6765
I highjacked Letterville!! Winter Muster 2004 Posts: 904 | From: Rock Hill, SC | Registered: Sep 2001
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I don't know that I have the words to adequately express how I'm coping. From September 11th, I've felt like the whole world has shifted. It's been surreal. The first week was particularly hard as my eldest son serves in the Navy and was somewhere in the Mediterranean when the attack occurred and we didn't hear from him until a week after the attack. Until yesterday, it almost felt like I'd been holding my breath waiting for when and how we would respond. I was at a cat show when they interrupted to announce the bombing of Afghanistan. We all cheered and applauded and at the same time tears poured down my face. I fear for my son, I grieve for the innocent lives that will be lost, and I feel a great pride that America has regained its sense of patriotism. I just hope it's enough to see us through what may be a very long conflict.
posted
One thing that helped me & lifted my spirits - I sent cards to my dear friends far away, simply to tell them how much I care about them. Who knows where this war will end up. Maybe in our own backyard. Hence my desire to tell those I love just how much I do love them. It's scary thinking of what may happen. All those we lost in the WTC and the stories of the one's left behind who had wished they had simply said I love You one more time. Reaching out to my dear ones has brought on long phone calls, of which lightened my heart. I've reconnected with those that matter the most to me. As for the rest of the world, there's not much I can do, except pray. Bomba-Dear - the "sappy" one.
-------------------- Bomba-Dear Jackie Vaughn #5115 Volcano, California www.chocoholic.com Posts: 761 | From: Volcano, California, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thanks to Jim for the suggestion. Sometimes I make jokes at odd times just to relieve the tension.
The morning of 9/11 I happened to be switching channels and caught the live coverage from NYC. I was watching live as the second plane hit the towers. The rest of the day I was glued to the tv. I even added CNN to our favorites list on the satelite. (I didn't even know we got CNN til that morning). The whole day as I sat there unable to pull myself away, it wasn't real. My only cognitive thought that day was there were heroes on the plane that went down here in PA and that the pilots or passengers got control and made that plan go down away from major metro areas, saving how many unknown lives. They are true heroes. That evening I thought about canceling my plans to go to Pat's meet. Then I got mad at the terrorists responsible for the events of the day and realized if we change our plans, our daily lives that is a bigger win for them than the destruction they caused. It wasn't til the following day that what happened became real to me. It had been like watching a bad action movie.
On my way to Pat's, just outside Knoxville (I think) there were big american flags flying from all the overpasses. When I got to the last overpass and saw a woman hanging the flag, it brought a tear to my eye.
Seeing the news, hearing of the activites by other countries who are in this WITH us gives me a chill. This is no longer just the United States. This is the United World.
I fell our strikes back against those responsible yesterday were just. That we are targeting specific sites associated with bin laden and at the same time dropping food and supplies to help the innocent people caught in the situation. I admit I've thought we often give too much and care too much for other countries when there are homeless, poor, hungry people in our own country. We have asked for bin laden to be handed over and he wasn't. We are aiding the people caught in the middle. Yet the taliban has the nerve to call our actions yesterday a "terrorist act"? I'd better end it with that before I get on my soapbox and start ranting about that comment. How dare they.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa
Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
For those who are finding it hard to cope with recent events consider this.
The world we live in hasn't changed.
Your perceptions of the world have changed.
A paradigm shift like that can lead to many of the symptoms some have mentioned so talk, pray, or whatever helps in your particular case but try to get whatever help is necessary to deal with your new understanding of reality.
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