Day 7 - 255 -- Power of Kindness

NOTE: The topic today deals with 9/11 and may be triggering.

19 years. Somehow that sounds impossible -- memories of that day are still deep and raw. I heard of the first plane after my early morning class. I heard of the second as I was headed to the second class. Shortly after that, the campus closed. I recall heading home and stopping at Tim's for soup and added a cookie and slice of coffee cake to the take out order. At home, I sat in front of the television not believing what I was seeing -- and eating cake -- "lots and lots of cake".  

As the days wore on, we began to see the stories of the helpers and were reminded of the words of Fred Rogers, who told of his mother saying that in times of crisis to look for the helpers who would always be there. I recall stories of bakers in Canada working to get pies across the border for first responders and families. Most of all, I remember the many stories about harbours and airports across Canada who took in the many travelers unable to get to the US when air and sea routes were closed. Of those multiple places stretching across the continent, the story of the small town or Gander, Newfoundland epitomized the caring nature of communities who banded together to make thousands of people as comfortable as possible until travel resumed. In this small town, friendships developed that still exist today.

In the book "The Day the World Came to Town" by Jim DeFede, the sharing of cultures and ways of life worked both ways -- to and from the small town folks on an island.That day ensured that it was no longer untouched by global events nor isolated from the world. From the experiences during the time air space was closed, a musical, "Come from Away", was written by playwrights David Hein and Irene Sankoff. It debuted on Broadway and now tours the world. The story portrayed the power of kindness during a time with so many unknowns. I never fail to find it uplifting. I have yet to see the play on stage, but have seen the 'making of' film and heard the soundtrack. 

Today I share two songs from the musical. The first deals with the immediate response by the Gander airport. The second helps us see things from the viewpoint of the people who arrived somewhere they'd never heard of before. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

38 Planes -- Come From Away (Broadway cast)

28 hours/Wherever We Are -- Come From Away (Broadway cast)