Richard Lawrence Belford
Unfortunately like most people, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing fifteen-years ago 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
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. On September 25, 2013, Richard was given a Basno 9/11 Memorial Supporter Badge as a token of gratitude for supporting the nonprofit National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
As a Canadian Author I have 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 look forward to doing even more in the future. My artist’s statement, portfolio and résumé can be viewed at the following link: www.911memorial.org/registry/rlbelford.
I truly hope In The Blink Of An Eye not only gives everyone cause to reflect, but also further inspires those who read it to take a moment to like, share and tweet this post in a unified effort that will assure the 9/11 families that by virtue of our thoughts, they were and will never truly be, alone.
As the Greek philosopher Pericles said: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
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 favorite parable is Footprints and just loves how its meaningful last line makes him feel no matter how many times he reads it.
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.
“In The Blink Of An Eye”is available at amazon.com , signsforyourlife.com or purchased wholesale in various sizes by registering at: asignofwisdom.com. A complete collection of these inspiring products can be viewed by visiting the following link to his website. www.richardlawrencebelford.ca/product-gallery.php.
Richard's’s also written “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later” a bereavement book that includes a collection of his inspirational parables, accompanied by the stories behind their creation and genuinely hopes that those who read it will be inspired to always say; I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye.
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 suffering the loss of someone dear to their heart.
Richard hopes to have his book published in the near future and is not only looking to partner with a suitable publishing company, but also license his inspirational parables to a designer, manufacturer and international wholesale canvas wall décor distributor.
In the mean time, he invites you to follow him on Twitter @RichardLBelford, check out his Facebook Page at: www.facebook.com/RichardLawrenceBelford and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Richard can be contacted at: info@richardlawrencebelford.ca or you can 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 ~
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
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. On September 25, 2013, Richard was given a Basno 9/11 Memorial Supporter Badge as a token of gratitude for supporting the nonprofit National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
As a Canadian Author I have 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 look forward to doing even more in the future. My artist’s statement, portfolio and résumé can be viewed at the following link: www.911memorial.org/registry/rlbelford.
I truly hope In The Blink Of An Eye not only gives everyone cause to reflect, but also further inspires those who read it to take a moment to like, share and tweet this post in a unified effort that will assure the 9/11 families that by virtue of our thoughts, they were and will never truly be, alone.
As the Greek philosopher Pericles said: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
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 favorite parable is Footprints and just loves how its meaningful last line makes him feel no matter how many times he reads it.
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.
“In The Blink Of An Eye”is available at amazon.com , signsforyourlife.com or purchased wholesale in various sizes by registering at: asignofwisdom.com. A complete collection of these inspiring products can be viewed by visiting the following link to his website. www.richardlawrencebelford.ca/product-gallery.php.
Richard's’s also written “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later” a bereavement book that includes a collection of his inspirational parables, accompanied by the stories behind their creation and genuinely hopes that those who read it will be inspired to always say; I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye.
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 suffering the loss of someone dear to their heart.
Richard hopes to have his book published in the near future and is not only looking to partner with a suitable publishing company, but also license his inspirational parables to a designer, manufacturer and international wholesale canvas wall décor distributor.
In the mean time, he invites you to follow him on Twitter @RichardLBelford, check out his Facebook Page at: www.facebook.com/RichardLawrenceBelford and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Richard can be contacted at: info@richardlawrencebelford.ca or you can 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 ~
