Michele

I was asleep, curled up under my warm comforter, cats twined about my legs. The phone rang. I answered, because NO one calls me that early. It is my best friend, who urged me to get up, and turn on the t.v. I used to like sleeping. Enjoyed laying there, waking up slowly, cruising through the last dream stages, and into reality. Tucked under my covers, safe from the world, in it but not a part of it yet. Peaceful, quiet, snuggled. I have not felt that since, and I wonder if I ever will again. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Thank you, Paul. Thank you, for the reminder that while I have been deeply touched and hurt by Tuesday's events, I have not bled, I have not died, and I have not been injured. Others have. Thank you, for the reminder that while my life has changed, but I am still alive to breathe, to love, to play and to jump. And others aren't. Thank you, for the reminder that I can help, I can make the difference between life and death for someone. That I can make a difference to those people who have lost someone they love. That I should make that difference. Will I jump this weekend? I don't know. But I do know that there will be other days which I can jump, if not this Sunday. There will be other bright blue, laughing, sweet, life filled days for me, eating a burger and drinking a beer after rejoicing in my life at 12,500. The days have ended for so many, and will end for many more in the months to come. Thank you for the reminder. What a shame that I am the first to respond, that there are only 38 views of this post prior to me. And, sadly, thank you for that reminder, as well. (Edit. Michele sez: Well, I jumped the gun a tad bit there. There is another thread that contains the conversation and response...sorry to those posters. But it should be read - and thought about). Ciels, every day - Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Congratulations on the baby, dude...... WWHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Many [smiles] (and thanks for the reason to smile today!!!) Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

No, it's not. And it will not be for quite a while. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

I will try to make this as an attachment....(edit: it didn't work. Here's the www. http://dailynews.philly.com/content/daily_news/2001/09/13/local/DEVI13C.htm) here's another one, in a different photo....captured in the Philly Times (I think....) "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Well, if you really look hard, you can see a devil with horns in Merrick's photo. Go to the top right of the building, and move about 40 degrees to the right and up. In a little depression/dark space, you can see a horned visage. (I don't konw how to circle it, so these directions are the best I can do). This is fun!!(I'm being really sarcastic here, guys.......) I'll go look for more...... "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Speedy Can you change someone's mind about something as simple as a brand of dishsoap which their mother used, and their mother before them? How do you change the image? If, to us in the "free world", the image is horrific, but in the origination country the image is holy, how do you change that? Make them more horrific? Won't that make them more "holy"? And, while I can't find it to bracket quote it, you refer several times to "changing their mind". How do we do that? I am really curious as to how we could go about changing someone's religious beliefs and tenents, as well as the non-religious but subjugated persons in the country (The Taliban runs the country in Afghanistan...). As for waiting for the younger generation to grow up, that's a great idea. Except, it is the younger generation which is doing this (the two named terrorists are 31 and 32). Granted it is the "older" generation which is instilling this ideology in the younger generation, but it's cultural, I think, rather than individual choice...if it is what you see, daily; if it is what you hear, daily, with prayers; if it is how you will get to meet God, as is taught wholesale to the children in school; how do you change this? Speedy, I really am asking this honestly and sincerely. I am not asking to instigate something, or to call into queston your beliefs and ideas. Please take the above in that spirit (and anyone else who is reading this). Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Excellent. ... So, when are you donating again?????? () "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Of course. Just because people have given blood once, they may not again. After all, they weren't giving blood before, right? "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Colin Um, isn't that exactly what your friend did to americans? "Most americans this", "most americans that". Which is stereotyping. O.k., let's talk about nationalism. The definition of nationalism is: "the devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation." As a matter of fact, I AM proud that I am American. I live in an incredible, wonderful, and yes, powerful country. Does that mean that everything we do is right? No. Does that mean I think this is the best place to live, and bring my babies into the world? Absolutely. Do I choose to live here? You bet. Why? Because I am proud. Proud of what we stand for, proud of how we are willing to help everyone when they need it whether they reciprocate or not. Proud? Yes. Will I back my nation in this time of crisis? Yes. But perhaps that isn't actually nationalism, but patriotism. Howeverr, being proud of my country does NOT mean that other people are ""worse", or "less". It simply means that I am proud of what my country stands for. Keep in mind that it is nationalism which created the terrorists, from wherever thay came from. Their devotion to a culture which promulgates this behavior and this thought process. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that they think they are doing something which will promote their cause/culture. But I'll bet an equal amount that they have no patriotism. Then don't post something which calls Americans lazy (lol-hahahahaha). Have a great weekend jumping. I hope I can get in the air, but that may not occur. ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Much love, Lori. Thank you for the post. It is sorely needed. Blue skies are here now, we just need to remember to see them for what they are. Ciel bleu-now and forever- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Colin, good post. Let's talk. . I'm not "most americans". And I think that most people who read this post, here on these boards, are not "most americans", either. If you read through some of these threads, you will hear/read views which are strikingly similar to your friend Ani's. And frankly, I don't think that most Americans are lazy. We have an incredible country, and it was made on hard work - intellectually and manually. I don't think we are lazy. Uneducated? Perhaps unexposed to the Muslim and arabic cultures and thoughts/religions, but not uneducated. His point about US supplied munitions and weapons etc. to the Israelis is well made. However, what about those weapons and munitions supplied to Palestine? Pakistan? Afghanistan? Syria? Lybia? ad nauseum.....the weapons are coming from somewhere, and it isn't just rocks..... I have never danced in the streets when someone in Palestine was killed, I have never passed out sweets to the neighborhood except at Hallowe'en. I don't expect anyone to react any way other than the way they have. And just because I don't expect differently doesn't mean that I am "o.k." with the fact they did it - I just expect no differently that people are pleased that American civilian blood was shed by the gallon yesterday. This is a dynamic and constantly changing situation which we are discussing. While I do not know many Muslims, the few I know are not on jihad, and are willing to talk to me frankly and openly about their opinion as to what has occurred. Theya re willing to have me to dinner, and show me their culture, teach me about their foods. What I find most interesting, however, is the similarities that ALL races share: while there are differences, and some significant at that, the similarities are more striking: rice or pasta, cheddar or feta, it is food - we all need to eat. Kilts or trousers, obis or belts, they are clothes. Hut or teepee, mansion or shack, it is shelter. Of course not every arab shares the same view. And most Americans don't paint everyone with the same brush, either. One of the most treasured rights in this country is that we are different, and that we are allowed to be different - and this includes our opinions, as well. Who's justice? American justice, with a trial and protection of the rights afforded Americans under our constitution? Or the Taliban justice, where someone can be put to death because their faith is different than that of the ruling political party which is in fact a religious dictatorship? Or perhaps Iranian and/or Iraqui justice, where women are killed for showing their face? Whose justice, Ninja? Whose justice? As for it playing second chair, there have been several instances of justice done the American way......look what happened to the Lockerbie terrorists. They were tracked down, and years later were placed on trial in the international court of the Hague. We have a record of capturing and trying our suspects, too. Where is that in your friend's educated opinion? Let's look at what has been discovered as of this evening (at least according to mainstream media, which may o may not have it exactly right....) The terrorists left massive evidence in a rental car which was found at Logan airport. This evidence included a poster of Bin Ladin; arabic language fight manuals for '57 and '67's; aerial maps of NY and DC. Other evidence includes manifests showing significant leads of suspects which have been connected to Bin Ladin in the past with regards to the Cole bombing, and the African Embassy bombing; visas showing at least two suspects came from Afghanistan; education received in Florida which correlates with the two suspects just mentioned. Furthermore, there are several suspects which were arrested this morning in a Boston suburb (Copley?) which had significant evidence in their possession. The truth of the matter is simply this: we were attacked yesterday. Whether some people believe we deserved it or not, we were attacked. Our civilians were killed in the thousands. This was a ruthless assault on the way of life in America. And these people began their attack from the ground of America, where they had the freedom to travel wherever they want, without scrutiny. They came into the country without scrutiny. They used the American system, the "great Satan America" whom they profess to hate, to plan, develop, and carry out this attack. Look carefully at the targets selected. They are symbolic of all that is "hated" in America. Political and military might - the Pentagon is the center, the focal point of political and military strategy and planning, with the White House as an additional declared target, which is the home of our President. The WTC is the center of financial superiority, and a heretofore considered undestructible structure. New York City is the quintessential American big city.... And they launched the attack from our own country. Using our freedoms, and our laws. Using our lifestyle. This is terrorism at its' most effective. We were attacked. Your friend has an opinion. I have mine. Thanks for sharing his opinion. Thanks for reading mine. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, somebody - Could you check the sarcasm meter? Is it spiking? lol As to model, not really. As to American, all the way. And if I could be half the person I am, I would jump w/ a 79 Stiletto.......hahahaha Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Very true, Wildblue. And thanks for the caution. I will wait - and I just re-read my post. I realize that it could be understood that I had said there were no cautions. Sorry. Not meant in that way. I will go edit it right now. I gave yesterday morning, so I should be fine if I get to go this weekend. If not, then I will for sure be fine when I go after this weekend. Ciels-and thanks for clarifying! Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

The dog was tired. The building was cleared, and no bomb found. Thank god. Ciels- M "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

From Perris Valley Skydiving Webpage: This is obviously a difficult time for all of us. While we would like to be back up in the air today, we are being told by government officials that they would prefer that we not fly today. Obviously we will comply with those wishes. For those of you that are headed to Perris for the Flyboyz Freefly Film Festival, we intend to be back in the air as soon as proper approval is given. This could be Thursday, or it could be later. Whenever it is, we will use these web pages to keep you updated about our operational status. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Once again, our main concern is for the events of yesterday and how we can best support our government and those directly affected by this horrible series of events. Our hearts and prayers go out to those individuals and families directly impacted by these events. We also acknowledge the horrendous impact on all of our lives and our way of life in the United States. We urge all of you to join us in supporting our President, our government and our relief organizations as they attempt to rescue those trapped in the rubble, to provide aid for those that have been rescued and to provide comfort to those families that still await word of their loved ones. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Yeah, Nathan. A bomb sniffing dog hit on a package at the Emipre State Building. Evacuations are taking place, the Bomb Squad is there, and there is massive police response. This has been "confirmed" on several stations. However, in trying to not panic, there are two scenarios which I think are likely: 1) the dog is tired, and made a mistake 2) there are overreactions to suspicious packages. In the event it is a real bomb, it could be a copycat....someone who decided yesterday was fun, and wants to get some attention. Or it could be a second wave of attacks. I hope it is a tired dog. (And yes, Mac, that is the reason some flights are being escorted. However, not every flight is, and I wonder about that.) Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Michele corrects herself and sez: You shouldn't do anything strenuous for 48 hours - and skydiving is strenuous....... I give blood on a regular basis - and am on call for the emergency center at my local hospital (I am O CMV-).....I have never been cautioned in any way. The only instructions that are given are: No heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 48 hours. Other than that, there are the typical aftercare instructions to drink more water, and more juice. If you feel faint, begin to get hot, tunnel vision and/or hearing distortions, ringing or loss, put your head down and breathe deeply, and grab something sugar filled (Coke, cookies, doughnut). I have only once had a bad reaction to donating, and that was during an emergency donation call - I had given blood two weeks before, and there was a serious accident involving a burned baby. I came in and gave blood, stood up, and passed out. Felt fine after two cartons of oj, and lots of water and oj in the next two days. I think that if your fluid level is up, and you give it the 48 hours, you should be o.k., unless you are anemic, or have had trouble in the past. In which case, listen to your body, and make your own decision. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hi, Nathan That is happening all over. The diverted commerical flights - those made to land in areas which are far from their destination - were allowed to continue on their way to their original destinations. No new flights, and no "local" flights (I think I heard anything you can drive to within 8 hours) and no international flights are being allowed to take off. And only those carrying passengers are allowed to fly, not cargo. I have no information about fighter jets other than high level gubmint folk. Perhaps one of our military guys could fill us in, or one of the pilots? As to how high they are flying, I couldn't tell you. I live near an airport, and when a jet flew over, I was startled and a tad concerned....but it is what's happening. I never thought I would miss the rumble of take-off and landings. Until yesterday, that is. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Jessica - Thank you. Thank you for the work, the effort, the information you were able to write and edit and produce yesterday. And thank you for working today. It is hard. You might not be "affectionate people", as you put it, but I am sending you hugs. Here: HHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGG!!!! We all need hugs today, we all need the reassurance that it is going to be somehow, some way, some day, it's going to be o.k..... ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Al Prayers, yes. Apologies? Not needed. We're all a little shaken up. It's been a tough day. (Note: there's a little edit button on the top of each post you make. If you notice a change you'd like to make, click the edit button and make the change, and then follow the prompts.....) Prayers to all- M "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

What kind of phone numbers are you looking for? Do you get CNN? Read the bottom written scrolling information. There are many numbers. Also, re: websites, try any of the large news orgs, if you can get in. CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, etc...... But I don't think that you're gonna find a number to help look for a specific person. I think your best bet would be to kinda hang out, and then check in a few days with information (I don't know the international # for info, though) for a new telephone number if the one you have is wrong. Sorry I can't be of more help. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Mac how wrong you are. How many thousands of people died as that plume of fucking debris was generated by the building collapsed? It will remian unknown for days. How many firefighters are missing (300+)? How many cops (35+)? How many people died within an hour of that rushing smoke and concrete dust being born? Get a grip, delete it. "Americentric" or not, this tragedy happened TODAY! and it happened here. There are people on these boards who have lost friends, and possibly loved ones, today. Please, if you have any shred of decency, delete it. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

I wake up this morning to the telephone ringing. Answering it, I hear that my mother is missing, New York has been bombed. I walk, trembling to the television, and turn it on. I stand here, sleep touseled and sticky eyed, remote in hand, mouth agape. There is nothing I can say. I hang up, and speed dial my mother's phone. There is no answer, and no answering machine. I can't get through - "all circuits are busy". Over and over. My heart pounds, and my hands are trembling. I turn back to my window on the world, the people screaming, running. Men in suits, women in stylish dresses and shoeless, run from terror, from death. Making their escape, chasing their life down through the streets of Manhattan. I see the destruction, see the panic and terror, I hear the news. I try to be logical, Mom lives in New Jersey, she's got to be o.k., but I know she had planned to go into the city today, and to be there at 8 for breakfast with a friend. My world is burning. I sit, solid and secure in my home, sipping coffee, knowing how ridiculous it it that I have a cup of coffee, but needing it desperately. Gradually I hear the sounds of my city decreasing, traffic becoming less when it should be increasing - it is rush hour; there is no rush today. I live near an airport, and I hear no airplanes. I stare dumbly at the telephone in my hand. I hit redial, hoping, praying, that there will be a circuit, and that I will be fortunate enough to get it. Hoping that I can find my mother, 3500 miles away. Hoping that I can reach out and prevent some tragedy touching me. And then I understand the tragedy is touching me anyway. And that it has placed it's stranglehold on many, many people today. And will not let up. It is here. I silently cry, tears drip off my cheeks. I watch, over and over, the jet fly into the side of one of the most magnificent structures in our country. The fire blooms, fierce orange-red-white and my soul shrieks soundlessly. The smoke billows into the cloudless glorious blue of the late summer sky, staining it, marring it, creeping toward the summer sun like a cancer. I cannot believe and yet I must, because it is on every channel, overwhelming me. The same picture, the same explosion, glass sparkling amidst the flames, flying through the air, speckling the serene sky with horror. Death is flying, death has taken wing over the city. I say a prayer: please, God, please. I reach my mother. She is fine, and had missed her bus, so called the breakfast off. Her friend is fine, as well. I am relieved, and more than a little guilty. My mother is still here to talk to, and how many daughters are missing their mothers now? How many fathers? How many sons, daughters, friends, are missing loved ones, cherished ones, soulmates, children? My heart breaks. I watch, not understanding, frightened. The loss of our innocence, the loss of our perceived safety, the loss of our people in the tens of thousands. The people who survive walk the streets, ash-covered, bloody, hurt. A man in what once was a dark blue suit and now it's grey, soot covered, is still carrying his breifcase, clinging to whatever order, whatever normalcy he can find in this whirling reality. And they are the lucky ones. They walk through the mud of the ash, water; broken lives represented by papers, scattering in the fire-breeze. The collapse of the buildings, debris filling the air, covering all things. I see a bird take flight, and I think "good! One has escaped". Clouds of building debris, tossed about like styrofoam, blackened, charred, plumes of smoke channelling through the city streets in a flood of death, obscuring everything, killing everything, snuffing the sun's rays, making it's own wind. I watch, desperate. Helpless. Alone. I watch a beautiful, unremarkable day explode into daytime night, monochromatic, surrealistic. I look at the place on the skyline, an empty void where there was once magnificent buildings. It is like a smile with missing teeth, gaping holes in the day. The final picture is one of bent, melted rebar, twisting grotesquely, at odds with the world. I light a candle, I try to push back the darkness. And then, I see it. On the t.v.. At sunset. In the corner of the shot, I see it. A thing, flapping. A thing with the only color my eyes can see. Torn and tattered, charred and smoking, I see a flag, our flag, still raised on a twisted and bent flagpole. The evening breeze begins to pick up, and the flag, it begins to wave. Stirring gently in the ending of this day, it reminds me that there is still love, still hope, still life to be lived. My prayers go out to everyone involved in this tragedy. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~