September 11, 2006

“110 Stories,” by John M. Ford.

We had friends visiting from St. Louis at this time five years ago, celebrating their anniversary. A day or two later, we took them hiking in the Catalina Mountains. I remember staring at the gray stone around me and thinking: these mountains have been standing a long time. They’ll continue to stand, whatever we humans do, or fail to do, whatever has happened, whatever happens next.

Which didn’t mean, then or now, that what do doesn’t matter, or that there’s much excuse for inaction. But looking at those stone slopes, knowing those mountains were there, beyond us, stronger than us: that was a huge comfort.

It still is, five years later.

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