Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York. As part of what went on were endless news specials of things that happened that day, and one that impressed me was about the boat evacuation of people from Manhattan. And one of the things someone said impressed me.
When the twin towers came down, it covered everyone in gray dust. Many people went to the harbor to try to get passage off the island as all means of transportation had been shut down. The call went out and boats of all types came and picked up people and ferried them across the river.
One of the captains heard the call and did not hesitate to turn around and pitch in. What he said was truly inspiring. He said “I don’t want to ever say ‘I should have’.”
That is an important commitment to one’s self. How many times in our lives have we said “I should have”? I should have listened to that advice. I should have bought that lottery ticket. I should have stood up to that person instead of backing away.
I can think of a time or two right off the bat.
I took my first dog to the vet when he was very sick. They said they would x-ray him that evening or the next morning, and I left him. I should have asked if they really would do the x-ray that night. If not, I should have taken him home where he would feel loved instead of feeling abandoned. He died the next day in surgery. At the same time, we go two Labrador Retrievers that might not have had as good a life if that first dog had not died.
I know a number of times when I should have gone with my gut instead of listening to someone in charge. Things would have been better.
It takes a unique person to just do things and say “damn the consequences.” But that is a person I want to be. Maybe someday, I will be that.