9.11.2011

10 years

In the car, on my way to work.  Driving on 35E, and had just past Highway 36.  Listening to the "pop" station in my city {KDWB for the Twin Citians}.  Thinking about all of the things on my to do list.

I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing the moment "it" happened.

I continued on my drive, with my mouth gaping open.




I arrived at work.  "Did you hear what happened?", I asked our office manager.  "The planes? The World Trade Center?"

"Oh, that actually happened? I was listening to KQ and thought it was one of their practical jokes."

Because, seriously.  Why would that happen?  Why would men give their lives in the name of "a god" and take the lives of several thousand innocent people.  Affecting all those that know them for the rest of their lives.

Ten years ago today, as an American {and as a citizen of the world, because there were people from so many nations affected}, my life changed.   Not as drastically or tragically as did for so many, but it did.




I was 23 at the time.  A newlywed.  Five months before, as we walked off the plane from our honey moon, my in-laws were there to meet us at the gate.

That wouldn't happen ever again.

In my lifetime, the fear of an attack on our soil wasn't overtly present.  Until then.

Because we didn't know to fear it.  Our parents did {with the Cold War, and WWII for some}.   But at least I  was naive enough to think it was something I didn't need to worry about.

But now I do.  And now I worry about it no matter where I am, even if it is across an ocean from the U.S.




The biggest problems then were...  Well, it is sort of hard to remember.

But let me be honest. The problems that began to face us after that?  Had me wondering if I should even have kids.  Why bring them into this "new world"?

But I did.  And I am glad I did.  Because they are our future.

And what a bright future it is.





Having a child that wasn't born on American soil may lead to some interesting questions in the future.  I mean, what if she wants to be president?  But this girl will know that first and foremost, she is an American.  And that we are proud of that fact.

I can't wait to show and teach my children the reasons we have to be proud of being Americans.
         ~ the freedom
         ~ the opportunity
         ~ the land
         ~ our incredibly brave and dedicated military that defend those things
         ~ our emergency personnel that serve and protect us on the home front
         ~ and so, so much more





On this day, I remember the thousands who tragically lost their lives that day.

On this day, I pray for our soldiers and their families, may they be currently serving or have the possibility of being called to a warzone at any moment.

On this day, I hope for the family and friends who have been left with an empty place in their hearts. I pray that you are surrounded by love and are blessed knowing that there are people across the earth that will never forget September 11, 2001.

2 comments:

Tracey Davis said...

could not have said it better, Jen. Thanks.

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm with Tracey--you said it perfectly. Popped in from SITS!

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