Where Were You? 9/11/01, '04, '05

It’s the fourth anniversary of 9/11 and a time to reflect. Where was I on September 11, 2001? I had arrived in Seattle the day before to sing in my long-time friend Judy’s wedding. I was staying at my friend Marty’s apartment when Judy called in tears. Turn on the television, she said. I watched in horror ... first , at the replay of the first plane hitting the tower, then the remainder of the harrowing sequence of events.

On September 14, I gathered with thousands of people in downtown Seattle and we mourned, strangers embracing, united by our grief. The next day, I sang in a joyful garden wedding. I’ve never experienced such highs and lows in one short period of time. Judy’s marriage has endured; our friendship has not. I still don’t know exactly why.

One year ago, I was in San Francisco along with my Houston friends Ann and Casey to surprise my ex David and our mutual friend Richard with a birthday party. The party was a great success. A year ago today, I was in Delores Park at the 9/11 Convergence Picnic, meeting many of the men who now comprise my friends list on Live Journal. It was joyful to reclaim the day for something positive and life-affirming. I met people at the picnic who I now count as real-life friends and my life is better for it.

Today? Today is about the routine of touring in “Evita”. The tour has been out for 11 months; the faces around me are constantly changing, but the show goes on. It’s a two-show Sunday to be followed by a cast party. There’s something odd to me about holding a cast party at a Hamburger Marys on the anniversary of 9/11, especially in the wake of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina; but then again, maybe “routine” is the way to honor those that died; take time to acknowledge the tragedy of both events, then do as we did at that wonderful picnic last year... reclaim 9/11 for ourselves... make it a day of friendship and hope, a day to recall the triumph of the human spirit... of healing... I'm grateful to be here working my way through a normal, routine day.

( This is the week that was....ending 9/11/05 )

Where Were You? 9/11/01, '04, '05

It’s the fourth anniversary of 9/11 and a time to reflect. Where was I on September 11, 2001? I had arrived in Seattle the day before to sing in my long-time friend Judy’s wedding. I was staying at my friend Marty’s apartment when Judy called in tears. Turn on the television, she said. I watched in horror ... first , at the replay of the first plane hitting the tower, then the remainder of the harrowing sequence of events.

On September 14, I gathered with thousands of people in downtown Seattle and we mourned, strangers embracing, united by our grief. The next day, I sang in a joyful garden wedding. I’ve never experienced such highs and lows in one short period of time. Judy’s marriage has endured; our friendship has not. I still don’t know exactly why.

One year ago, I was in San Francisco along with my Houston friends Ann and Casey to surprise my ex David and our mutual friend Richard with a birthday party. The party was a great success. A year ago today, I was in Delores Park at the 9/11 Convergence Picnic, meeting many of the men who now comprise my friends list on Live Journal. It was joyful to reclaim the day for something positive and life-affirming. I met people at the picnic who I now count as real-life friends and my life is better for it.

Today? Today is about the routine of touring in “Evita”. The tour has been out for 11 months; the faces around me are constantly changing, but the show goes on. It’s a two-show Sunday to be followed by a cast party. There’s something odd to me about holding a cast party at a Hamburger Marys on the anniversary of 9/11, especially in the wake of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina; but then again, maybe “routine” is the way to honor those that died; take time to acknowledge the tragedy of both events, then do as we did at that wonderful picnic last year... reclaim 9/11 for ourselves... make it a day of friendship and hope, a day to recall the triumph of the human spirit... of healing... I'm grateful to be here working my way through a normal, routine day.

( This is the week that was....ending 9/11/05 )