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The Gift of Sight

© Elizabeth Nordhausen

After the tragedy of September 11, I just couldn't bring myself to write on a topic such as gift giving. Everyday tasks seemed irrelevant in the wake of the attack on America. Now that I've gathered my thoughts, I would like to discuss my afterthoughts on the attack.

Old clichés are surfacing which take on new meanings after this event. I'm reminded of a quote from the hymn Amazing Grace, "I was blind and now I see." Black Tuesday has left America sad and confused. Yet, for many, the future of America couldn't be clearer than it is now. The Clinton scandal, the vote in November which left the U.S. Presidentless all seems pretty petty now. They divided the country, which were tragedies in themselves. Yet this unbelievable attack on U.S. citizens has seemed to unite the country like we've not seen since World War II. It is a sight to be proud of. This united stand is so real it's become an entity the victims' families can actually grab a hold of and gain strength from.

Many occasions in one's life are actually gifts. They let us find out who are our real friends are. In times like these, we find out who is supportive and who isn't. The government will find out which countries are going to help and which aren't. The country will find out which businesses really want to help or are trying to take advantage of the situation. Families will find that simple acquaintances are really invaluable friends.

The Internet will be considered a phenomenon after the attack and people all over the world will find out just how invaluable it is. Mostly, for those that have family members still missing, pictures are being posted to help find them. The FBI has received thousands of tips on potential terrorists from their Internet site. Chats help us to discuss the situation with others. Donations can be made in one second to help relief efforts. E-cards can be sent to families to show support and sympathy. Some sites that you can go to make donations are http://www.amazon.com/paypage/PKAXFNQH7E... to make a donation to the Red Cross, which is helping with relief efforts. http://www.msn.com has a list of donation sites such as the Salvation Army, United Way and The Red Cross. http://www.bluemountain.com has beautiful free cards to send for support or sympathy.

Technology has allowed people to say goodbye to their loved ones when they knew they weren't going to make it. They even allowed victims trapped under the rubble to be rescued. No one knew just how important cellular phones in airplanes and in our pockets would be. We'll all know now to make sure our batteries on our cellulars are charged.