"Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?" - the song lyrics pose the question that is frequently asked especially as the anniversary of the fateful September 11th is drawing close.
I was on my way to school when I heard the news that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center Towers. When I arrived at school they gathered us all into the auditorium, pulled out the small TV and we watched the tragedy unfold. I will never forget watching people throw themselves out of the burning building preferring a plunge to their deaths over being burned alive. Or watching the towers collapse and the crowds make a desperate run to escape the falling debris. I will never forget the heroism of those that rushed towards the burning, collapsing building intent on saving lives even if it cost them there own. Nor will I forget the heroism of those on Flight 93 who over took the plane and sacrificed their lives to make sure that those terrorists would not succeed in their evil goal. The images and events of the day are permanently etched into my mind and soul.
I had no idea that a little over 600 miles away a teenage boy, whom I had not yet met, was watching the same graphic images as I and filling with a desire to rise up and do something. A desire to join the military and fight back. It was a desire that would not be acted upon for years but always there in the back of his mind.
Eventually that young man and I met, fell in love, and married. Less than two years into our marriage he joined the Army - fulfilling the dream he'd had since high school. A dream that had started as a result of the tragic events of 9/11.
But not all my memories of September 11th are sad. This year, on the 11th of September, we will celebrate the first birthday of my son. One beautiful year of one precious life. A life that I am so thankful for.
My son is such a happy little man. When he smiles his whole face lights up. And he smiles a lot. He has the kind of giggles that make you want to giggle with him. And when he is naughty, and he frequently is, you have to fight from smiling while you correct him...Like when he starts crawling for the bathroom (where he knows he's not supposed to go) and turns to see if you're watching him; when he sees that you are he gets a big grin on his face and takes of crawling as fast as his little hands and legs will take him practically laughing all the way! He reminds me so much of his father...and they both light up my life!
This year, and every year to follow, I will take a moment to remember the heroes who died, the families who lost friends and loved ones, the lives that were drastically changed on 9/11. But I will also take time to thank God for the precious son that he gave me - the life and joy he bestowed on my family.
September 11th is a date to remember. A day both horrific and beautiful. A day filled with tragedy in the past and yet hope for the future.
I was on my way to school when I heard the news that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center Towers. When I arrived at school they gathered us all into the auditorium, pulled out the small TV and we watched the tragedy unfold. I will never forget watching people throw themselves out of the burning building preferring a plunge to their deaths over being burned alive. Or watching the towers collapse and the crowds make a desperate run to escape the falling debris. I will never forget the heroism of those that rushed towards the burning, collapsing building intent on saving lives even if it cost them there own. Nor will I forget the heroism of those on Flight 93 who over took the plane and sacrificed their lives to make sure that those terrorists would not succeed in their evil goal. The images and events of the day are permanently etched into my mind and soul.
I had no idea that a little over 600 miles away a teenage boy, whom I had not yet met, was watching the same graphic images as I and filling with a desire to rise up and do something. A desire to join the military and fight back. It was a desire that would not be acted upon for years but always there in the back of his mind.
Eventually that young man and I met, fell in love, and married. Less than two years into our marriage he joined the Army - fulfilling the dream he'd had since high school. A dream that had started as a result of the tragic events of 9/11.
But not all my memories of September 11th are sad. This year, on the 11th of September, we will celebrate the first birthday of my son. One beautiful year of one precious life. A life that I am so thankful for.
My son is such a happy little man. When he smiles his whole face lights up. And he smiles a lot. He has the kind of giggles that make you want to giggle with him. And when he is naughty, and he frequently is, you have to fight from smiling while you correct him...Like when he starts crawling for the bathroom (where he knows he's not supposed to go) and turns to see if you're watching him; when he sees that you are he gets a big grin on his face and takes of crawling as fast as his little hands and legs will take him practically laughing all the way! He reminds me so much of his father...and they both light up my life!
This year, and every year to follow, I will take a moment to remember the heroes who died, the families who lost friends and loved ones, the lives that were drastically changed on 9/11. But I will also take time to thank God for the precious son that he gave me - the life and joy he bestowed on my family.
September 11th is a date to remember. A day both horrific and beautiful. A day filled with tragedy in the past and yet hope for the future.
 |
| Daddy and Son Bonding Moment |
 |
| My little man one week before his 1st Birthday! |
This made me cry and laugh in the same minute!! God Bless the USA and The Hix Family. Happy 1st Birthday, "Little Man!"
ReplyDelete