The Gifts of 9/11

With bright blue skies and cool fall air we received the gifts of September 11. They came unexpected, and at a cost no person could have imagined. They were received amidst tragedy, tears and confusion. It became a turning point in American history, but more importantly in the personal lives of all Americans.

Life is about relationships. September 11 brought to the forefront of our minds, how delicate human existence is, and how we should never take for granted the people we are blessed to have near us.

The lives lost on September 11, gave the living, many gifts. 

We were given the gift of understanding that we should never take for granted our relationships. Taking the time to hold our children, spouses, and loved ones longer. We understand the importance of saying what needs to be said and to live each goodbye as if it were our last. 

We gained the wisdom, that patriotism was more than a Fourth of July celebration. It was everyday citizens; men, women and children doing their part to help those whose needs were greater than their own. 

We learned about bravery. As the firefighters, and first responders ran into the buildings, putting their own lives at risk. 

We knew how important it would be to offer guidance to the children and families personally affected by the events that took place. 

We now have the knowledge to expect the unexpected. We have become more aware, that our carefully planned existence, can be altered in ways we once would have never dreamed possible. 

We have also received the gift of devotion. We will never forget the many innocent souls who lost their life because of the evil act of few. 

And in the end, these lives have given to us the gift of hope. A hope that we remember that life is about relationships…how to treat one another and how to love one another more perfectly.

Through great tragedy can come even greater love… we are forever grateful to the people who died that day, and in retrospect leaving us with the gifts to “BE” a more Loving, Understanding, Grateful, and Hopeful person in this world. 

IGTB... Discovered!

Are you intrigued by the art of "treasure hunting" and like to spend time outdoors? If so, then you may be interested in the favorite pastime of Letterboxing!

Letterboxing is an outdoor activity where a person hides a waterproof style box in a publicly accessible place i.e., parks. Clues to find the box are posted online. They can be found on the website, www.letterboxing.org. In the waterproof letterbox you will find a small log book, ink pad, and stamp. Many of the stamps are hand-carved, rubber stamps that were created by the person who hid the box and have a special meaning.

As the searcher of the box, you should also carry your own stamp (hand-carved is not necessary, but you may enjoy having an image that has special meaning to you),  log book, pen or pencil, ink pad and compass (optional). Our family finds using spiral bound index cards for a log book preferable. 

Follow the clues to the secret location where the box is hidden. Keep in mind, when locating these boxes, many people around you may not be aware of this fun pastime and therefore you should be discreet about your find. You run the risk of others not respecting this discovery of the letterbox and disturbing its contents. 

Inside the box you will find a log book and stamp. There may be an ink pad, but there may not be, so it is suggested each letterboxer bring their own, also a pen or pencil. Use the stamp you brought and imprint it on the log book contained in the box., we also like to write the date, our name (excluding last name) and where we are from.  Next, imprint the stamp in the letterbox onto your personal log book. You may choose to include the date and the name of the letterbox.

Once finished, be sure to seal the contents tightly in any plastic bags and within the letterbox itself. Carefully replace it to the hiding spot, being sure to leave it as you would hope to find it. If you find a damaged box or not one at all, you may notify the owner via the website where the clues where retrieved from. 

This is a great outdoor pastime that costs no money, other than the purchase of a log book, ink pad and stamp! It is a great way to create memories with your family while enjoying the outdoors. There are over 20,000 letterboxes hidden in North America. Letterboxing is intended to be an environmentally friendly activity, so it is imperative to be respectful of the surroundings, as the placer of the boxes are as well. Also, be cautious of poison ivy and animals or insects that may like to hide in the crevices of where these letterboxes are hidden. Most of all, use common sense! 

The clues to these letterboxes may be found online at www.letterboxing.org and printed-out. With the movement of technology, there is also "an App for that!" There are at least two apps I have found, Box Finder and Clue Tracker. I downloaded Box Finder and like some of the features it has, such as having the ability to Save your searches for later use. Regardless of which app you choose, having an app can be helpful when at last minute you decide to "Go Letterboxing." 

If you are new to this activity, I hope you find enjoyment hunting and finding one of the many letterboxes hidden all over the globe! And in turn, creating memories with your families while spending time outdoors and exploring the world around you! 

Have fun ;-D