Different Shades

As the years go by, each of us draws upon memories that, even for an instant, can bring us back to a time, a place, or even a moment that has been forever locked within us.

They were brothers and sisters, and uncles and aunts. They were sons and daughters, and mothers and fathers. They were grandparents and neighbors, and they were some of the best friends we ever had.

As we look back over the past year, we must remember a day that showed us all that change is possible, not only in our hearts, but in our minds as well. The day was Tuesday, September 11, 2001. And we are taken back to moments that have been forever seared into our minds. Images of sadness and tears that have been, quite literally, unequaled. But through all the sadness and from the piles of ash came moments of kindness, love and heroism that seemed to be unlike any we’d ever seen before.

The ash seemed to act as an eraser. And from within the clouds of ash, it was as though hatred, bigotry and racism disappeared, even for an instant. In fact, it became quite clear that it made no difference what color, what religion or what ethnicity we were. Through the ashes, people so wealthy and people with very little at all clung to each other and guided each other to safety. Some even refused to leave another behind, and for that, they paid the ultimate price.

Now, it is said that adversity builds character and strengthens resolve, and if that’s true, then together we passed one of the greatest tests of our lifetime. One that showed the entire world that bones can be broken, but spirits can never be dimmed. So, if you only give one thing in remembrance of that day, please give your family, friends and neighbors even just one more glimpse of the person you were on the day the whole world came together.

We’ve often wondered why it is that the peace and joy of the holiday season cannot remain with us throughout the year. Well, I’m here to tell you that without even trying, we’ve all proven that it can. So, don’t wait for another tragedy to show compassion and love. Because it’s clear that together, we have, and we can, stand the tests of time.

So today, let us all remember. And today, let us never forget that it took mountains of ash to show us that after all, we are all the same color; we’re just different shades!

May God bless us all, and may God bless America.

After writing and narrating this piece I had the pleasure of working with my dear friend, Carole Campbell, who wrote a piece of music to set the mood for what I had to say. We recorded "Different Shades" on August 17, and our wish is to share it with as many people as we can. Thanks to Charles Partridge of Burlington, a website has been put together so people can listen to the recording of "Different Shades." To hear the full narration with music, visit <www.sconsig.com/different_shades>.