52 Extras: I Believe We Can Each Live Equally

It's been ten years to the date, since the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, and Washington in 2001. I was a sophomore at North Texas, in my choral conducting class when our instructor Paul got an urgent phone call from his wife. She told him about the first attack and we couldn't believe it, then she called about the second attack and turned on the old radio to find out what was happening. It was a nightmare from thousands of miles away, and I can't even begin to imagine what it was like here in New York City during that time. Talking to New Yorkers about September 11th, is unreal, and I know there's nothing I can do to erase their painful memories except continue working towards peace. It is definitely possible for everyone in the world to live peacefully, but it has to start with ourselves. We have to spread peace and love to every friend, neighbor, acquaintance, and stranger we meet. We have to teach the next generation, not only to love all walks of life, but to teach their children the importance of loving all walks of life. We CAN coexist.

After the attacks on September 11th, 2001 an artist at the University of North Texas created an American Flag with the World Trade Center made out of the red stripes. It was striking, and the image stayed with me for all these years. I wasn't able to find that image again, and I haven't been able to find the artist who created it, but I recreated it myself because the idea of America is truly a great one. The idea that all people from all walks of life can coexist no matter how different they are, is a beautiful, brilliant, idea. It's an idea we have still not perfected, but an idea worth perfecting. I decided last night that I would write this week's song about that idea, we may not all believe the same things, but I believe we can each live equally. Spend this September 11th spreading love to your neighbors, and respecting everyone around you, regardless of your differences.

And no matter what you do, NEVER FORGET what happens when people don't respect our differences. I hope everyone has a blessed day, sharing their kindness with others. Peace be with you, and everyone in the world.