September 11, 2001. It was such a beautiful morning. It was such a normal day, people went to work & people got on planes, never knowing that their lives would either be over or forever changed that day. The rest of us had no idea we were about to be profoundly affected by events that were about to take place.
Ten years ago today our nation experienced one of the greatest tragedies that has ever befallen this country. Two thousand, nine hundred, ninety six people were brutally murdered while we watched in horror. I remember clearly where I was when I heard what was happening, but I couldn't tell you anything else I did that day. I remember the anxiety of not knowing until I got home that evening & could turn on my TV to see what the latest news was. Everything else about that day has been wiped out. Funny how your memory works. The images though, of that day, are forever burned into my mind.
I did not personally know anyone who was killed in the attacks that day, but like the rest of the nation I felt as though I were watching my friends & family being attacked. I doubt the people of this nation have ever felt the solidarity that we did on that day. We came together over the next days, weeks & even months, to take care of one another, to mourn together, & to ask why. I felt so proud to be an American during that time. Proud that finally we were coming together & loving one another as God intended. And then there was the flip side of that, the blood lust, the need for vengeance against those who had attacked us.
Our lives have gone on, the sites have been cleared, rebuilt, regrown. A lot of people say we should move on too, & not be those same vengeful people we were on that day. I've said this before, but I disagree. I think we still have to be vigilant, we HAVE to protect ourselves, our country & everything we stand for as a nation. Maybe we don't need to be vengeful anymore but we can't allow this to happen again.
I had the pleasure of doing a tribute to one of the victims that day. A lady who touched many lives, though hers was cut short. A woman named Julie Geis. I will put a link at the bottom of this post to that tribute. I ask that you please go read it, even if you've read it before. It makes so much difference when there is a name, a face, a story to help you understand the sacrifice that was made that day. It did to me, I was disturbed by the attacks, I was devastated once I got to know Julie through articles, & emails with her family & friends.
What did you vow to change that day? What did you think about doing with your life that you weren't doing then? Have you done it? I'd like to say I have but I really can't. I remember thinking how important it is to be that better person. To do things for others. To keep in touch with family & friends. I've done a lot, I've changed some. Mostly not for the better, unfortunately. My own life has taken a few bad turns over the last couple years, but looking at all the stories, watching all the shows & movies that are on right now has reminded me how quickly & unexpectedly it can all be over. It has inspired me all over again to make the changes I need to make & to do the things I want to do.
So where do we go from here? Do we look at the new buildings that are going up, the new grass that has grown, the repairs that have been made, & forget? Or try to anyway? Or can we find again that closeness that we all felt that day, when nothing mattered except the fallen? I for one hope that we can have that closeness & I sincerely hope & pray that it does not take a tragedy of any kind to get us back to that point.
This post is in memory not only of all those who were murdered that day & those who gave their lives trying to save the ones they could, but also to the survivors of the attacks, you aren't remembered nearly enough. People don't consider what YOU went through to still be here today. Well, I do. You are in my prayers along with the souls of those who were lost. God be with you.
