Hello friends,
I am so deeply stunned and saddened about today's horrific events.
Early this morning, I was frantically trying to reach my daughter Marcy in
NY. She works in midtown but her husband of 1 year,
Mike, works in the World Financial Center, right next to the World Trade
Center. Fortunately, his
building was evacuated in time. He was one of the thousands running
north to escape, seeing people plunging to their deaths, seeing
bodies on the ground. Seeing the planes hit, the flames and smoke
and the huge monoliths collapse, leaving a sobbing message on Marcy's voice
mail. Marcy was able to get through to my husband Steve
and said they were both safe, that Mike was at a co-worker's home
in Greenwich Village. Relief that they were ok, still in shock and disbelief
over what was unfolding. I'm still glued to the screen, wishing that I could
wake up from this horrible, surreal dream.
I had been planning for days that I would finally get it together to share
my thoughts and feelings about this year's Jonifest. I can't possibly do
that right now, but I do want to share one small touching moment that
happened. On Sunday evening, as we were enjoying some relaxing,
intimate sharing of music in the candle room. A Beatle song was played
and John, who was sitting right next to us, began to play another ...the
beautiful
song "Here, There and Everywhere." While everyone sat and listened
intently, I asked Steve to dance close and slow. As we danced, I listened
to the words, which I seemed to be hearing for the first time. They started
to take on a new meaning, from a new perspective. Overcome with emotion, I
quietly cried on Steve's shoulder, and we kissed when it ended. It was a
very touching moment for us. The only other time we danced to this song was
for our first dance as husband as wife. I did try before and then again
afterwards, to tell the
group gathered that this was our wedding song. Not hearing me begin to speak,
John had already burst into a another more cheerful Beatle song (was it
"When I'm 64?") and I couldn't get the words I wanted to share, out. So, I'm
sharing it with you
now. And I had also wanted to say that today, Tuesday, September 11, 2001 is
our Silver Wedding Anniversary. A time there should be a major celebration
for staying together for 25 years and still in love. (How many times we've
said to each other, " I told you when I met you I was crazy.") I've never
really been able to deal very well with birthdays, holidays and special
occasions like these. I won't try to
analyze that here. But from now on our special day will forever be linked
with the overwhelming sadness of today's tragedy.
The news that we will be hearing in the coming days will be unbearable.
I join all of you in your prayers. I am so grateful for our connection.
Pearl
