letter to the editor

On courage, gratitude and the power of reading

Posted 9/25/24

Donating my one day a week at Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County Read it Again Bookstore always feels like I’m getting more than I’m giving.

On the day before September 11 last …

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letter to the editor

On courage, gratitude and the power of reading

Posted

Donating my one day a week at Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County Read it Again Bookstore always feels like I’m getting more than I’m giving.

On the day before September 11 last week, I was putting away a book when I noticed the title: “Let’s Roll! Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage.”

After reading a few pages, I realized it would be difficult to put down. The author, Lisa Beamer, told about how her husband traveled for business to San Francisco, leaving early that morning on 9/11. She recounted with great fortitude the fact that she knew in a short time that his plane was the last one down. Beamer reflected on the fact that it landed in a field instead of its destination, Washington D.C., where so many more people would have lost their lives.

As I thought about this young woman back then, with two very young children and one on the way, I felt in awe of her bravery.

In fact, her husband, Todd Beamer, was one of a group of  brave people who rushed the cockpit to overtake the hijackers. His voice was caught on the phone that he had used to reach out for help. He said, “Let’s roll.” 

The inspiration we get from books written by people sharing their lives with us provides an opportunity to be truly grateful for life. 

Benita Goldstein
Forestburgh, NY

courage, gratitude, reading, sullivan county, read it again, bookstore

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