Remembering 9-11

I wrote this on September 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the terrorists attack now known as 9/11.


Remembering 9/11

It was one of the most frightening experiences in my life. The day seemed to last forever. No one could answer our fearful questions: who could have done this, why, how, is it over, are there more attacks planned?

I was getting dressed for work when I heard the news that a plane had crashed into of the Twin Towers in New York. I thought, how sad, some beginner pilot in a small plane must have lost it's bearings and crashed. I left for work and continued to listen to the news. Before I reached my office in Humble the second plane had hit the towers and I knew we were under attack. Fear gripped my heart as I made my way through traffic to the two story building where I worked not far from the Bush Airport. I remember the eery feeling I had not seeing any planes in the sky. I never realized how many planes I was used to seeing pass outside my window every day.

I called my pastor. I called my oldest daughter, Mickie, who had a 3 month old baby at home. I called my youngest daughter, Melinda, who was working in a daycare. I thought she may be offended that I would check on her and would say, Mom, why are you calling me at work. Instead, she said, "I am so glad you called. I needed to hear from you."

I left work early and went home and was glued to the television. The scenes and stories were horrific. I was hoping and praying the towers would not fall. I felt if the towers stayed standing, it would be like a sign of hope. But it was not to be.

For days and weeks afterwards we heard the stories and saw the images of the lives that were lost and the heroic actions of so many others. I had such a feeling of helplessness because it was so far away that we would not lend a hand, yet we all shared a common unseen bond because we were Americans, and we had been unfairly and unjustly attacked. America... The land of the free, home of the brave, the land where the poor, the oppressed, those seeking a better way are free to come and live. We did not deserve this.

Americans united that day. Our president stood strong and proud as he spoke words of encouragement and hope to a country in the moment of it's greatest trial. I held on to his words, the words of my pastor and the word of God for my strength and hope that we would get through this.

On this 10 year anniversary, I am thankful for those who gave their life to save others. I am sad for the lives that were lost just because they went to work that day to provide for a family they would never see again. I pray that their family will embrace the memory of their loved ones on this day and know that all of America stands today in their honor and in memory of each life that was lost.

It is a true saying, Freedom is not free.

This day and every day, may our prayer be, God bless America!