Small Town Life

 September 11, 2021

Twenty years ago. Everyone is asking the question: “Where were you when the towers went down?” We remember so clearly that the emotions we felt back then come bobbing to the surface of our consciousness twenty years hence. Last night, our grandchildren were talking about it from the sheltering distance of not having been born when it happened, an event they didn’t experience that yet shapes their lives.

We said we would never forget, but twenty years later, we are more divided than we were back then. Thousands of lives and billions of dollars swallowed up in a response that of late has turned into a political reaction. The adage is true: “Rich man’s war, poor man’s fight.” Political infighting, power struggles, and the peddling of fear have left us weaker and more vulnerable than ever. 

Today was “History Days” in Sinclairville, a tradition that began nineteen years ago as a remembrance of the tragic events of the year previous. Building up to it was Johnny Swanson over the past couple weeks painting one of his silos with portrayals of the Twin Towers alongside flags of the first responders. Today’s observance began with a service of remembrance, followed by an old-fashioned parade with fire trucks, tractors pulling wagons of kids, local muscle cars. Vendors in the park, a magician at the library, live bands throughout the day, concluded with fireworks in the evening. It’s small town life at its best. 

I am blessed and grateful to be living where I live. The momentous world events that occupy the minds and souls of urban dwellers affect us too, but only indirectly. Today, it was conversations with friends as we strolled among the vendors’ stands, sitting with a friend at his sister’s celebration of life, cheering on our granddaughter’s soccer game that filled our souls. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will rise early, worship together, sit down to dinner, and thank God for the simple life we’ve been given. It is a gift many have not had the privilege of receiving, and I am deeply grateful for it.