Exceptional People, Exceptional Lifestyles  

As is the case with the rest of our nation, I will never forget September 11, turning on the TV to watch the morning news (which I never really do--too depressing a way to start the day), and watching the horror of what was taking place before my very eyes.

I am from New York, and the Wall Street district was always one of my favorite places in which to hang out--great restaurants and great shopping! In fact, I was a college intern for four summers at the Federal Reserve Bank. Back then, and even for years after, I am ashamed to admit, people with disabilities were not exactly high on my radar screen. Fast forward ten years later, my daughter, Sierra was born with cerebral palsy and my whole perspective changed.

Watching with horror the buildings crumbling, I couldn't help but think, what about the people with disabilities, those who were blind, or in wheelchairs or maybe deaf, how were they going to get out? With the elevators not working and everyone rushing to escape with their lives, would anyone care enough to see to their safety? I still grieve for all the families devastated by that experience and the loss of their loved ones that day, in the name of I still don't know what.

Then, it was a few years later that I saw a movie trying to recreate and pay tribute to the 911 experience. It gave glimpses into the selfishness of some, but mostly highlighted the brotherly love, courage and bravery of those who made it out helping others, and those who didn't.  Although I was crying throughout the whole thing, two story lines really struck me.  One was about a group of people who helped a woman who couldn't walk down to safety, carrying her down hundreds of flights of stairs.

Another storyline was where one man refused to leave anyone behind and after helping so many to safety (and seeing so many run past him offering no help), he came back for another man who was desperately gasping for breath after coming down so many stairs, and didn't seem to want to fight for his life and get out. I guess in his own way, he was mentally and physically challenged. So the other compassionate and caring man also refused to leave and held his hand knowing he would die too.  After praying, the building came down on them and they died together. It still brings tears to my eyes when thinking about it, because even though it was a horrible day and even though we think we may know every story, God had sent many angels to rescue many people, especially the ones who couldn't rescue themselves--even those with disabilities and when I think about that, I can't help but smile.
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