Hi everyone, Ralph here. It’s been a minute since I wrote my last post. I made a promise to myself and as well as to the rest of you that I will be a little more consistent. As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats. It’s hard work and it takes a substantial amount of energy, discipline and dedication, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. With my artistic skills, my creative writing, my photographic vantage points and as well as my passion for boxing and fitness, I aim to inspire not just the people in my community, but as well as individuals in the far reaches of the world. That was my main goal when I first created this blog. With that being said, let me discuss the main subject matter at hand.
There are specific moments in life in which you either keep in perspective or you will always remember. Even if you tried, there are key components that took place during the course of your life you will absolutely never forget. Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was a day that certainly signified one of those times for me.
I recall that morning being eerily beautiful in NYC; something in the air didn’t feel right to me. After picking up some breakfast, I arrived at the real estate firm where I worked as an accountant at the time. I started the job only three months ago prior to that day. When I walked into my department, there was no one there. At first, I thought there was a fire drill. I soon discovered that my coworkers were in the main conference room huddled up in front of the projection TV. That’s when I learned of the horror that took place.
A hijacked passenger airliner was deliberately crashed into the first of the Twin Towers. Only moments later, a second airliner struck the second tower. At that very second, I knew something had horribly gone wrong. It still feels so surreal. Another thing I want to note here is that approximately six months before 9/11, I turned down a job to work at the U.S. Treasury Bank which was located on the 34th floor in one of the towers. It’s not a story I go around telling; however, I wonder at times if I’d be alive today or fallen ill to the toxic fumes that’s now been proven to be deadly. The only conclusion that I can come to is that God is good… or maybe it just wasn’t my time yet.
For those who was either present in the towers or within the vicinity of the September 11th attacks, how do you comprehend the fact that you survived and you were not among the nearly 3,000 people who were killed on that day? That’s one reason why I try to make it my business to be grateful for each day I wake up; it could’ve all been so different for me. It also solidifies how proud I am to say I’m living in one of the strongest, most resilient and perhaps, the greatest city in the world. I’m honored to call myself a New Yorker.
If you haven’t yet, you should make an effort to visit the Ground Zero memorial site. Pay tribute to all the lives that were lost… the first responders of the FDNY and NYPD, and the families of the victims. Never forget the American resolve that followed after the worse terrorist attack on United States soil.
To my readers, I want to take a moment to invite you to join me on Facebook and to follow me on Instagram and Twitter. You can also reach me via email at: rgilmore@orangemoonwerks.com. If you find any joy and value in what I do, would you consider providing support to help keep my blog going? Learn how by clicking the link here: Support the Blog
The Perennial Aesthete 
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