Preparing for September 2002

It was September 2001. After a long, hot summer, I was eagerly awaiting the cool autumn winds with that imaginary “back to school scent” that only September brings. I was ready to enjoy a nice, long fall season complete with hiking adventures, apple-picking events, and weekend trips to New England.

But after September 11, 2001, all of my plans changed. I didn’t get to enjoy the fall, nor did I want to anymore. My priorities shifted, like most Americans, toward displaying patriotism and spending quiet nights at home with the family.

And while that may have been all well and good considering those circumstances, I’d like to speak out to all of the Americans who missed out on the family bonding, fun adventures, and mental health days that most of us missed last fall. This fall, I’d like to see Americans resume their normal fall activities, and enjoy them. Of course it can still be done while enjoying the company of friends and family (that’s the whole point of my column!)

This fall, make it a point to prepare to not only resume your normal activities, but to make up for all you missed last fall. Sure, putting the kids on the bus has to happen, but who’s to say you can’t bond with them while shopping for notebooks? And instead of spending autumn weekends curled up with CNN on the television, while not go pumpkin picking?

This year, make it a priority to spend time with the friends and family that you may not have, like you usually do this time each year. Is it time for a fall vacation? Maybe the house needs cleaning, or you need to organize your family’s busy schedules. Some or all of these tasks and hobbies may not have been taken care of last year, and have wound up downward spiraling your life during the past year.

Now is the time to get on track, get organized, and enjoy yourself and others! There could not be a better time. In weeks, we will be reliving the tragedy all over again. Surely news coverage, magazines, and other media outlets will bring back the grim images of September 11. Respond how you will, but it doesn’t have to consume your entire season. Some Americans will need to do all they can not to run into another depressive state that will come for many because of the anniversary. However you react, make it a point to pay homage, but not to lose sight of what’s left…your friends, family, memories to be made…and you!

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