Unfortunately like most people, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 on what initially promised to be a very beautiful autumn day.
I also recall what I was thinking, and just how helpless I felt when witnessing the horrific sights and sounds that were to come.
There was nothing I could do then, but in the days that followed I wrote the following parable. It was then, as it is now my sincere hope that it would someday serve to assure those who lost loved ones that by virtue of our thoughts they were never alone.
In The Blink Of An Eye
I had not known them. We’d never met. Now we cannot.
I did not know their families, Yet aspired to feel their loss.
How had they spent the past evening, When did they last speak?
They would anguish in those moments, always treasure their memories. I had the sacrifice of neither.
Mothers, Daughters, Fathers and Sons,
What were they doing a week ago today? If only they’d known how much lay ahead, how little remained.
In the blink of an eye, with one senseless act, Nothing would ever be the same.
But, the solidarity of our thoughts.
©2001 Richard Lawrence Belford
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In the spring of 2013, Reed Photo Art & Imaging’s Designer; Dan Reed and Richard’s collaborative artwork entitled; In The Blink Of An Eye was registered with the 9/11 Memorial Artist Registry.
“In The Blink Of An Eye" is printed on metallic photographic paper and mounted on 8½’’ x 11’’ ⅜’’ inch thick pressboard with a UV protective laminate and contemporary black bevelled edge. It can also be custom ordered in 16’’x 20’’ and 24’’x 36'' sizes. For additional information regarding its availability please click here.
On September 25, 2013, Richard was given the Basno 9/11 Memorial Supporter Badge as a token of gratitude for supporting the nonprofit National September 11 Memorial & Museum. As a Canadian Author, he has always taken a tremendous amount of pride in his being allowed to take part in The National September 11 Memorial and Museum’s rebuilding efforts and looks forward to doing even more in the future.
Richard’s artist’s statement, portfolio & résumé can be viewed here, and truly hopes In The Blink Of An Eye not only gives everyone cause to reflect, but further inspires those who read it to take a moment to like and share this article.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” ~ Pericles ~
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About the Author: Richard Lawrence Belford is an Inspirational Writer, a father of two daughters and the eldest of three sons who grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He has been on a twenty-year creative journey that’s been fueled by his genuine desire to provide faith, comfort and hope to those in grief.
His inspirational writings have been illustrated with photography on a series of wall plaques beautifully designed by Reed Photo Art & Imaging Inc that are professionally printed on metallic photographic paper, have a UV protective laminate complete with a contemporary black beveled edge.
A complete collection of these inspiring wall decor products showcasing Richard’s writing can be viewed by visiting his website’s Product Gallery
Richard has also written a book entitled; “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later” that includes beautifully illustrated artwork, inspiring quotes and a collection of his inspirational parables, accompanied by the stories behind their creation.
A parable by definition is a symbolic short story that illustrates or teaches some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. He trusts that his parables, along with these stories will stir some emotions in you that we’ve all felt, emotions that can help bring some small measure of solace to those grieving the loss of someone dear to their heart.
Now, although “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later” is about loss, it’s also about the many lives and love shared by family & friends. As just one of billions of people who have lived, loved & experienced loss Richard has dedicated the book and written its foreword as a tribute to the memory of his father. He hopes it makes him proud.
It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later is a full-color 8½’’ x 11’’ beautifully illustrated inspirational book and is available worldwide in a Paperback or Kindle edition on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com in the United States and in Canada on chapters.indigo.ca.
It is published by innovative publisher GenZ Publishing and was released it on Friday, July 28, 2017. If you require additional information they can be contacted at info@genzpublishing.org.
Richard invites you to follow him on Instagram, Twitter and like his Author’s Facebook Page or perhaps visit the It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later Facebook Page and join the increasing number of people who truly believe this book will inspire you to always try & say; “I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye!”
He can be contacted at: info@richardlawrencebelford.ca or visit his website at: www.richardlawrencebelford.ca for further information.
“An Illustrated Inspirational Verse is like a Song for those who cannot Sing!™”
~ Richard Lawrence Belford ~
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