The events of eight years ago impacted the Marilu.com community for months. On that day, we waited on the message boards for reports from our friends in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania – and from our friends who were flight attendants. Some were able to check in with us that day – some posted asking for prayers for their loved ones – some were able to tell their stories – some were looking for reassurance.

The community at Marilu.com is pretty tight, and pretty amazing. We knew that before September 11, but it was really evident on that day and in the weeks that followed. Most of us joined this site to get support in our efforts to lose weight and get healthy. What we found is a community dedicated to healthy living in every dimension.

Our response to September 11 was to make quilt squares, which several members volunteered to join into quilts. Quilts, after all, are a way to wrap someone in your love. We had our families, scout troops, classrooms, co-workers, neighbors, friends, and just about everyone making quilt squares. We had lots of love to share. We ended up making 48 quilts, which were donated to families of flight attendants and fire fighters.

Made by Seattle 3rd graders

Made by Mary Kay representatives for one of the flight attendants’ families
(coordinated by a member who was also a Mary Kay representative)

On 9-11 my faith in humankind was destroyed. Darkness had invaded my world and I knew at that moment it would never be light again.

The compassion and generosity of complete strangers who are praying for my family and “wrapping them in love” has restored my faith in people and given me hope.

~ mother of a firefighter, and recipient of one of the quilts

Pretty cool for a bunch of people who thought they were just trying to lose weight.

Healthy living is about so much more than losing weight. Live with love and compassion, and enjoy the gifts of each new day. Start now.

Image Copyright IAC Search & Media, Inc.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 2:02 am and is filed under Food for Thought. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.