September 11, 2009

Every year in honor of September 11, I have posted something meaningful about the day that changed America, or about where I was when it happened. This year, I am going to post something a little funny about the events that took place for me after September 11. **There is nothing funny about September 11th, the tradegy or the loss. But something that happened to me around that time, I think, deserves a chuckle.

I am sorry if what I post is offensive to anyone... actually wait, no I'm not- free speech (thank you, America)

So when September 11th took place, I was living in Orono, Maine. The day it happened I was actually in school (Husson University) and it was a Tuesday. That day I shared the same terror/horror/sorrow every other American, foreign and domestic, experienced. For weeks afterward I was so scared and so depressed; I would stay up for hours glued to the T.V.

The day after the tragedy I was laying on the couch watching TV when there was a knock at my door. I opened it up to find two Jehovah's Witness' standing before me. Feeling extremely vulnerable and missing "God" anyway, I let them in. They talked to me about Christ and how I needed to welcome Him back into my heart.

I'm Catholic. Well, sorta, still. A little bit. Or at least I want to be. I just haven't figured out my relationship with the Almighty, yet. Anyway, I digress. So, I let these people in. We talked, I felt a little better just being around their faith. I knew it wasn't for me, but it felt nice to see people so strong in their beliefs at a time when I felt so weak.

Then they started showing up everyday and calling me by my first name. I was too busy for this. I didn't have time for them everyday. I didn't want to partake. I was just feeling vulnerable on September 12. I was healing. I didn't need 5 books of faith and the Watchtower Magazine left between my doors everyday.

For weeks, they would come back and witness to me. I grew really tired of it. I told them on several occasions that I wasn't interested but I appreciated their care and concern and.... recruitment.

Finally one day, right around the time Anthrax was making news shortly after September 11th, the hand of Christ again knocked at my door.

Having enough, I opened the door. The two familiar faces were staring at me.

JW: Good Morning, Jessi
J: Hi. (abruptly)
JW: May we come in this morning?
J: (remembering the rules of every Sci-Fi book I've ever read: they can't come in unless you invite them in, right?) No, this is not a good time. I have to get going. (I was in my glasses and pajamas but contemplated leaving for the car in my current state of attire just to prove a point.)
JW: Well, when would be a good time?
J: Um, honestly, never.
JW: Jessi, we should really talk about that decision.
J: (Suddenly, I knew the answer) How do you feel about homosexuality?
JW: We believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Homosexuality is not the choice Christ intended.
J: (Laughing on the inside because, not only do I fully support same-sex marriage and relationships, I also vehemently deny the fact that homosexuality is a "choice." ) Well, then I have to tell you, I'm a lesbian.

They never returned.

Maybe next week I'll tell you about the Army recruiter that pestered me for weeks until, sadly, I had to inform him that I was an amputee.