Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11

Everyone remembers what they were doing when they found out about the 9/11 attacks. I remember it because I had a bad migraine that day, rather like the one that turned out to be a harbinger of my brain tumour. I switched off the computer, drew the curtains in the bedroom, lay down on the bed and switched on the radio. Instead of the expected classical music there were voices talking about a plane that had crashed into the World Trade Centre. For a few minutes I lay there thinking I was listening to some "mockumentary" radio play like the famous Orson Welles "aliens have handed" spoof. But something told me that wasn't right, so I went downstairs, turned on the TV and saw that this was all too real.

Today I hope against hope that we get through this anniversary day without another terrorist attack attempt. I just don't understand why anyone would want to give up their life, and end the lives of other innocent people, for any "cause". One thing being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour has made me realize is that life is too short to waste getting angry about things you don't agree with.. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all banish negative thoughts, focus on enjoying life as best we can with those we love, and make peace even with our enemies?

4 comments:

  1. Hi Julian, I think your "shakes" and your "dry mouth" can be put down to Clomipramine . I suffered from depression during the 80's and took several tricyclic antidepressants . I found it impossible to sign my name in order to prove my identity - ala credit cards etc. And I always had a citrus drink handy to aleviate the "bottom of a budgie cage" palate. It did improve in time - but then Prozac came along and made the treatment of depression not so depressing.

    I'm rooting for you.

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  2. Well, they say that there is nothing as dangerous as a man who knows he is right. I'm not sure who "they" is, meaning that I can't remember where the quote came from, but it rings true for me.

    Ideologies can be dangerous things.

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  3. A QSL card received from QATAR (as I am remember) stated on the verso: The world would be a better place if we were all radioamateurs! Nice piece of thinking reminding about tolerance, faith and friendship! I hope you'll be better day by day, this blog is a place I often come to read... 73 de YO3HJV

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  4. Dear Sir,
    I have followed you off and on since stumbling across your site when looking for advice on mostly antennas and becoming a Ham in the last two years.

    I'm sorry to hear that you have an I/O Tumor and only wish you peace in your mind.

    Thought you might like to take a look at this homebrew setup of an antenna that I put together and managed to work VK/ZL with 20 watts in my Brother in Laws back garden in Ontario recently.

    Though those actual contacts where not on this video and I had an actual hard time getting into Europe on that following night.
    Many regards Damian de M0SFX

    http://2e0sfx.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/14778441-sgc2020

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