"Let's just skip this one, okay???"


        Today is Sept.1,2011. I'm dreading the next ten days or so, mainly because of the pending orgy of 9/11 'features' that will no doubt glut all American media networks, that is unless "FOOTBALL" is on.


         Can't really parse the prevailing desire to revisit this sad, traumatic event. I know for myself that I still carry those feelings of shock, outrage, sorrow, and anger within. All I have to do is see some 'iconic' picture of what went on in those terrible hours and the whole rancid, toxic stew of emotions is at my psychic fingertips.


          I've been through enough therapy to understand the value of 'facing the past'. Useful, to a certain degree, no doubt. I've also seen people I love repeatedly summon memories of things that deeply stunned them, and wrought havoc upon their emotional stability. As if reliving ( or more succinctly-- 'reviving') those traumas serves to sustain their well-being in some way. Like a coyote continuing to return to a poisoned carcass for sustenance. 


           I think it's way,way too early in the grieving process of this nation to conjure some 'therapeutic spectacle'. This is a deep psychic and emotional wound that needs time to heal. Not only time for us to allow some 'scabbing' over ( to put it bluntly..), but also a decent passage of days, hours and years needs to manifest so that we can digest the import of this wound with some wisdom. Wisdom that will only come with the passage of time.


            We're not done mourning by a long way.. and I think we should summon the maturity and decency to allow that mourning to proceed at its own natural pace, rather than start beating the drums to conjure some "9/11" cleansing process. This isn't something "Dr.Phil" (or "Oprah" either) can help us with in an hour or so. Let's give it time. Mark it in your own private way. In silence. Maybe with some tears. Open yourself up to some hard won understanding about loss and the lessons it has to teach.


           Don't allow yourself to be baptized in anger and rage as an alternative. We've all still got it. It's not doing any of us any good, and it's not going to go away soon. Let's let time heal us and allow that toxicity to dissipate in the maddeningly slow manner that real healing demands. If you're one who thinks re-opening those wounds and pouring your own bitter salt on them is going to serve you (or the rest of us) in some way, well, frankly I have to question your sanity and intelligence. It's not time yet. You'll know when it is.