September 10, 2002
“In the beginning, everyone asked, ‘Aren’t you proud of him? Aren’t you happy that he’s a hero?’ I thought, my goodness, the first thing you have to understand is, I’m just trying to put one foot in front of the other. For my husband to be anyone’s hero … I’d much prefer him to be here with me.”[10:19 PM]
The woman whom Barry is quoting there is Deena Burnett. I think I mentioned last September that Deena and Tom Burnett lived just a few blocks from our house, though we didn't know them. An impromptu shrine with candles, flowers and American flags appeared opposite the road into their area. It stayed there for quite a while but eventually disappeared.
This evening when I drove by on my way to pick up a 6 pack of Diet Pepsi at the local convenience store, I noticed people standing in that same area; they've put up another shrine there. I couldn't see what the posters said, too many people standing in front of them and Deena Burnett doesn't even live there any more. And so I wonder what they're trying to accomplish. And wonder at my own desire to sneak out in the middle of the night and remove it. It feels somehow like a reproach or something towards those of us who are more private in their emotions. I know that's probably my script and not theirs, but I wonder how many people are making public displays not because they feel the need to do so, or even comfortable in doing so, but because they feel it is expected of them. That others will think less of them if they don't.
MKK
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