16th Sep 2009 - This Year's 9/11 Issue

Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.

There were lots of 9/11 stories last week, and I saw 2 new documentaries myself.
In decided to leave my comments about the anniversary until this week, so here we go...

In 2005 I wrote an issue called Remembering Rick Rescorla, and I think his story is a life affirming one worth remembering.
You can read that issue via this link:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/120905.html

However, the story I want to cover today is something that came from a documentary about phone calls made from people trapped in the towers.
It was pretty painful to watch to be honest, but the relatives wanted these people's stories told, so I watched on.

One name stuck in my mind, that of Orio Palmer.
Palmer was a fireman, and like hundreds of others, he died when the towers collapsed.
A super fit man who ran many marathons, he had managed to get up to the 78th floor of the South Tower, carrying his full kit with him.

Audios were released of his messages to the ground as he made his way up.
The 78th floor was the bridge of the impact zone, and many people had been killed outright. Those that were left were facing a terrible outcome with little hope of escape, when unexpectedly a fireman appeared.

Like most others, Palmer probably didn't expect the building to collapse, but can you imagine the hope, reassurance and relief he must have given to the people there in their last moments?

Rick Rescorla was already in the buildings, and stayed there instead of getting out in order to help others, and he never made it himself.
Palmer was doing his job by going *into* the building after it had been hit.
The audios show him giving short bursts of information, saving his energy as he climbed, but they also show someone who was doing what he did every day, putting his life on the line to save others.

There are many stories from that day which deserve retelling, and I think I'll add Orio Palmer's to Rick Rescorla's.
They're worth telling because they are life affirming, and also because they help in key factor for contentment - perspective.

When you think things are bad for you, remember people like these 2, whose lives ended when they saved others instead of themselves, raise a smile to your face and thing again!

Ok, that's it for this time.

'Til Next Time.
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. Grab my motivational book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!' here, it'll get your attitudes in check! Click my picture at the bottom of that page for the special price:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com