IN THE GREAT DINING ROOM story

Once again friends come together, like ocean waves slapping against the shore, relentless in the dust of time. In twos and threes, they arrive; colorful burkas, brand name suits, the flair of a hat, children and adults in a tumult of excitement. Today’s anniversary is not an unwelcome occasion. Each knows its importance, how it once was, how their friendships began. And yes, they remember---and they remember…

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During the evening of September 12 above New York City, there is laughter and joyous times. Yesterday’s terrible occasion in the Twin Towers is completely forgotten.

Everyone is a participant in a blessed victory over death.

Several thousand people are chatting and moving about. In their excitement, there is singing, laughter, much hugging, even consoling one another. A feeling of warmth and friendship helps provide a breath of new life.

Everyone is preparing for a grand dinner of celebration.

A feast of blessings covers the huge, well-prepared table for those wishing to indulge. The long table seems to go on forever. The finest linens, cutlery and flowers adorn each setting. In addition to turkey, lamb, salmon, ham, dressings and salads, as well as a bewildering array of other food treats, there is a pudding of Righteousness for all.

Fruits of the Spirit, Tongues of Peace with Turnips of joy, excite anxious tummies. Everything on the beautiful mahogany table sits on glistening gold-rimmed bowls made from the finest Potter of them all.

In the lineup waiting his turn to seat himself, is Harry, bald and badly burned. Once he had a shock of hair, thick as a wheat field. Now he chuckles about his new condition.

Marie patiently waits her turn and pirouettes around the floor. She can still do a perfect circle, even though she has lost a leg. Before September 11, her slim legs were the envy of bachelors in the neighborhood, vying for her attention.

But no one seems to notice her missing limb.

Then Janet smiles in her own memories. She looks with loving eyes at children of all ages scrambling for a place at the table. They are from every race and color, each with limbs maimed on their young bodies. Their excitement can barely be contained.

Many met as visitors before the Twin Towers dissolved into dust.

As everyone seats themselves an assembly of voices intermingle like magnified colors in a rainbow. Between mouthfuls of angel-prepared food, all are anxious to take turns sharing a story of personal triumph.

In the midst of memory there remains a smile, an upraised eyebrow. And within the midst of this special company, there is an absence of tears.

“I remember just before the first plane hit,” Bill says. “I was lifting a cup of my favorite coffee to my lips, then … BANG!”

“And not long after, the first of both towers fell,” another remarked.

“You should have seen me,” Annie interrupted with a hearty laugh. “People were pounding on my bathroom door. In a minute, I kept saying. How was I to know the whole place was going to fall down?”

“Daddy hugged me really tight, then kissed me on my forehead,” a little boy piped up. “He never did that before. Then we went flying out the window, like two Bald Eagles. It was neat.”

A melee of voices spoke of challenges trying to escape the burning World Trade Center. None of those present in this Great Dining Room made it to safety.

And now, here they were all together.

None of the speakers spoke for very long. Words were shallow in this avenue of sharing. Yes, there was a vacancy in their hearts for husbands, wives and children left behind. However, they knew for time unending everyone was part of a new beginning, with a new family.

In this Great Room, tales of special circumstances came steadily from the mouths of dark and light skinned casualties.

These individuals represent many faiths, and cultures, in shapes of all sizes. “We come from more than 100 countries around the globe,” someone whispered.

Just yesterday all sitting at this table were burned and broken in their bodies, but not in spirit. Before the end of this joyous celebration, miracles were to descend as gifts from the Creator of all. And everyone sitting together sat in harmony, part of an abundant family.

Each precious part of bodies was reclaimed. Right down to the mole on Phil’s cheek.

Yesterday was September 11, a day of agony for so many. Then, they sat side by side as soon-to-be plane victims. Many others occupied space in the World Trade Center. So many firemen and policemen and health authorities were there too.

As tragedy struck, phone calls brought words of anguish as well as loving messages, from one to another. Hurried steps joined with cries of alarm and chewing fingernails or lower lips. Every inch of human flesh became part of the scenario.

The suddenness of a roaring fire and waves of smoke engulfed them all. When the Twin Towers fell, so many dreams were lost. And futures terminated in one rushing scream, as past troubles were erased in one brief moment.

Their meals fully ended, everyone reaches out. Hands clasp firmly, completing the circle of a caring family. Not bound by flesh, but a birthright of passion and shared experiences.

Heads bowed, prayers are said for dear ones left behind. Yes, in this Great Dining Room, an abundance of Love can be found. And words from thousands of voices are filled with Forgiveness.

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© Richard L. Provencher 2007
All Rights Reserved