Choosing Life in the Shadows of September 11: A Soul Survivor's Journey from Harm to Hope
- Anne St. John
- Sep 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 7
As this is the twenty-fourth anniversary of September 11th, we find ourselves reflecting on a day that marked an immense shift in history. This day is filled with tragedy, loss, and remarkable resilience. We not only remember those who perished but also honor those who survived against all odds. Remembering our loved ones in Heaven, who are part of the greater Universe now, we are here, carrying on in their memory, and learning to trust in the HereAfter.
My Personal Journey Through Tragedy
This is my personal story. Before the tragedy, I received hints from my guides. I worked in downtown Manhattan at the time. For months, I wondered if we could ever be attacked at the Trade Center. My friends and colleagues reminded me of the terrorist attacks many years ago when the ground floor was bombed. However, I was not as aware of my gift as I am now. I was not a fully trained Medium yet. My thoughts seemed unprogressed, unwilling to believe that the unimaginable could happen. In Spirit, I did not want to be one of the lost on that day. I was given a choice. Many others in the aftermath of this tragedy were not.
I faced a decision: remain and possibly perish, as the Trade Center was part of my commute, or leave my job as soon as I could. I struggled with this until I noticed layoffs taking place, which made moving more feasible. I chose to inform my Supervisor of my plan to return to Florida. In her haste to lay off office admin, I was out the door by 3 PM that same day. A few weeks later, I watched from my mother's home in Orlando as the shocking newscast unfolded from 9 AM onward. In Spirit, I was somehow guided out of danger, where I would have been exiting Tower 2 when the first plane hit.
Many others, however, were not given this choice. Flight attendants, office workers on the upper floors, and brave first responders faced an unimaginable reckoning. Some remained to help, becoming heroes, while others were caught in a devastating circumstance.
Divine Intervention and Reflection
I had flown out to Orlando, FL just a week earlier. Being laid off seemed like a misfortune at the time, but now it feels like divine intervention. The universe was preparing me for something greater, something that would demand my presence in this world. Perhaps it was also about finishing the lesson I was in the middle of learning.
Reflecting on that day, I understand that my life could have taken a simpler path had I not survived. Surviving brought its own unique challenges. I found myself entangled in a difficult relationship, feeling unable to assert myself. As a battered wife, I eventually left on my own. Had I died that morning, the only person who would have been happy would have been the surviving husband who had battered me. That is my personal story. And now I believe that the reasons for so many of our misfortunes are really blessings in disguise.
The Indelible Stories of September 11
The stories from that day are forever etched in our memories. For survivors, it was a day of terror and chaos. Those who witnessed the horrific events have had their lives changed forever.
On September 11th, many experienced a stroke of luck. Some made their flights just before the doors closed, while others found themselves stuck in traffic, utterly unaware of the unfolding disaster. For instance, one person who had planned to work occupied a seat at a nearby coffee shop after having to cancel their commute due to a sudden illness.
Countless individuals sensed danger and made quick decisions. One man, lost in thought, left his wedding ring behind on the sink—a haunting reminder of what he left behind as he rushed to exit. Others embraced alternative routes to safety, changing their schedules in seemingly insignificant ways that ultimately saved their lives.
These stories—both shared in spirit and those recounted in person—serve as powerful reminders of life’s fragility. We hope that you also recognize moments in your life where you have triumphed over adversity.
Embracing Meaning After Tragedy
In the wake of such turmoil, discovering meaning and purpose becomes crucial. Choosing to live is not solely about mere survival; it is also about thriving amid adversity.
As we reflect on September 11th, we must also appreciate the resilience of the human spirit. Each survivor embodies a unique journey, showcasing the strength we all possess.
In the years following that tragic day, I learned that survival requires more than just physical endurance. It demands mental and emotional fortitude. We must confront our fears, heal from our wounds, and embrace the life we are gifted.
Choosing life means making mindful decisions that resonate with our values and aspirations. It is about standing up for ourselves, even when it seems intimidating. It means finding glimmers of hope amidst despair and the chaos of everyday life.
The Power of Choices
As we commemorate this anniversary, let us reflect on the choices we make daily. Are we choosing to live fully, to pursue our passions, and to uplift one another? The truth is that even in the hardest times, we can transform our pain into purpose. Always be aware of your goals. Where you aim yourself to be is one of the quickest ways to get there. Honoring yourself and what you feel as you navigate through life is a challenge, too.
We can honor those we lost by living vibrantly, cherishing every moment, and creating a positive impact in our communities. Each act of kindness can ripple out and influence others, much like the quick decisions made that Tuesday morning changed the lives of countless individuals.
As we remember September 11th, let us celebrate the immense strength of the human spirit. Choosing life is not just a response to our own existence but also an act of remembrance for those who can no longer choose for themselves.
Continuing the Journey of Hope
The journey from harm to hope is challenging, but it is a journey worthy of undertaking. Each of us has the ability to rise above our circumstances, find strength in vulnerability, and choose life when faced with adversity. From the smallest decision to stand up and fight for yourself in your own world when it feels like the plane is going to crash, whether literally or figuratively, you are there to choose your own path. Honor yourself. Honor your feelings. Honor those who made it too soon to the ultimate destination of Heaven.
Let us also honor the memories of those we lost by living intentionally, with compassion and courage. May the lessons of September 11th continue to resonate in our hearts. Every day is a precious gift, and every moment is an opportunity to choose life.
Never Forget.
Anne St. John, Heaven's Medium
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