When I was young my mom told me that you always remember where you were/what you were doing the day something happens to change life as you know it forever. She said that the assasination of JFK was the most striking event in U.S. history that stood out in her lifetime. We both had a new day to mark on 9/11/2001.
September 11, 2001, started off like any other day for me. My children were then 3 and 1, and I was 7 months pregnant at the time. I was a stay-at-home mommy doing my best to keep up with my kids and my housework.
I remember making breakfast and listening to the Today show while cleaning up the kitchen. As soon as they broke to live coverage of the Twin Towers, my heart skipped a few beats and I thought, "Oh, no! What a horrible plane crash!"
Moments later is was clear that something horrific was unfolding. I called Mr. C who was working the morning air shift at our church's Christian radio station. He was watching the news in the studio and was full of questions, too. My mom called a few minutes later to make sure we were doing o.k.
I stayed glued to the television for most of the day. I kept the little ones busy playing in their rooms or watching videos in my bedroom. I spent a lot of time talking on the phone to friends and family just discussing each bit of breaking news. At one point I wondered if this was the beginning of the end.
Later that evening, our pastor had a special prayer meeting at church for anyone in the community who wished to attend. We were able to come together and gain strength from one another and from the Lord. It was very comforting.
I did not personally know any of the thousands of people who lost their lives that dreadful day. In the weeks to come I would learn about many of their stories and how the lives of those they loved were changed forever.
I will never forget the images of the heros of 9/11. I will not forget the way our country united and vowed to stand for freedom. The feeling of patriotism was almost tangible.
In the five years since the attacks on our great nation, our country has lost many sons and daughters fighting the evil forces that propegate terrorism. I am very thankful to all the U.S. military who fight to keep freedom alive.
Today I will remind my children of what happened on 9/11. We will pray that those who lost loved ones as a result of the attacks will find the comfort that only comes from the Great Comforter. And I will thank God again for my wonderful, beloved America.