9/11

So I was giving a lesson today when 9/11 came up with one of my students. I asked her if she remembers what she was doing the day it all happened, and she couldn't remember. So we figured out that she was only 4 when the Trade Towers fell and the Pentagon attacked. I was 19.

I remember dropping Emily and Tasha off at work at Jiffy Lube and on the way home, the regular programming was interrupted to report on the first tower having been hit. I rushed home and Mom and I watched in horror as the second one fell. I remember wondering if it had been taped and then felt like someone had punched me in the stomach when I realized I was witnessing it in real time. And then, time stood still.

Nothing else seemed to matter and we were glued to the TV. I remember Peter Jennings getting choked up on the air, and telling us, "If you are at home with your loved ones, reach out and give them a hug." It seemed kind of surreal, since it was just me and Mom, but she got out of her seat and I out of mine and we hugged! I remember being so glad that she was there with me. I realized at that moment how much she meant to me.

Then came the news of the attack on the Pentagon, and it was like a scene from a movie, watching the evacuation. I remember the fear I had for my aunt, a flight attendant based in Newark. Was she supposed to be flying that day? She didn't, and I think our family breathed a collective sigh of relief. I wanted to call in to work, but knew I had to go in. I was a server at Marie Callendar's and I think I had 4 tables all night. We brought a TV from the office into the server's station to keep up on what was happening. I remember closing out, going home and crying myself to sleep that night, wondering what had just happened, and how could it have played out so awfully?

I will never forget the emotions I felt for the people of New York. For the people of America. Time stood still as this tragedy happened. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. And to the ones who have loved ones now, voluntarily standing in harm's way to make sure that another attack does not happen on US soil. Ryan recently lost a buddy he had helped train. And another good friend lost his legs. These were "his guys". I love this country with all my heart. I believe in our soldiers and their capabilities to do what is right. To make a difference in the world. I loved living overseas like no other, but having that experience made me realize just how proud I am to be an American. To have the rights and priveleges that come with my citizenship of this wondrous nation, blessed by God so that His gospel could roll forth. To the events of this day, 7 years ago --

I will not forget.