reminder

today i got on the bus at the station to come home, just like any other day. it was a quiet bus, perhaps because the weather out is dark and rainy. before i got on that bus i noticed that the paint scheme on this one was the American flag, and to my knowledge they had only one like this. i know believe this to be true as you will find out.

i got on as i said, and found my seat. i observed who was on board, not knowing anyone but curious. then something caught my eye as we headed down the road. at the front of the bus, where the bus number is usually at where five shiny numbers, like you would find on the front of a house. i read the number and at first didn't recognize the significance. than as i sat there, i started to ponder this. this was the first and only bus number i had seen displayed in this fashion. then i put the number in connection with the paint scheme of the bus. its number was 91101, representing September 11th, 2001. the bus was painted as an American flag. it all came together now. this bus was a tribute to those affected by the events on 9/11, yet it was subtle. it was not screaming at you, hey look at me and what i am representing! instead, it was a humble representation and display of remembrance.

i sat and thought of this for the rest of my ride home. i though, i wonder how many people have realized the significance of this bus? how many people have taken the time to look at the numbers, look at the paint scheme, and connect the two with history?

see, for me this day two things happened. one, i was reminded of what happened in a powerful way, one that caught my breath, made my heart jump when i drew the lines. but second, it reminded how often we get caught up in the business of life that we so often miss the subtle, yet profound things in life.