NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11:
In 2001 I lived in Carol Stream, Illinois. My son was 8, my daughter was 5. I ran a home day care. At the time I had a couple of kids who attended school with mine, and a few that were under the age of 3.
We lived a block from the school, a straight shot. In fact, from the middle of the street you could see the school. My kids and the kids in my care walked together.
I recall getting them ready to go. The TV was on in the background with cartoons playing. My home phone rang somewhere around 7 something that morning. I found that odd, all my kids had arrived, and my husband had left for work.
It was my neighbor across the street. She too, had a day care out of her home. She asked me if I had the TV on. I said I did. She said something like, I can’t believe it! Did you just see what happened? I said no, as cartoons were playing on the TV. She told me to quickly turn on WGN TV. So I did. The video was replaying the plane hitting the towers. I remember thinking how can that happen? My neighbor and I exchanged a few more words and hung up. I ushered the kids out the door to school. I didn’t really know yet what was going on.
I remember watching the news, and as more information became available, I started thinking of my cousin who worked in NY City at a major hotel. Along with another cousin who worked in the Pentagon. Were they safe? When will I know? I don’t have phone numbers for them, we talk via email and Christmas cards. Like many other families scattered across the US, we see each other at most weddings and funerals.
As the day went on, some of kids were picked up early. When my kids arrived home, I tried to keep them from hearing the news. They were both just too young, and I didn’t want them to be scared. I was scared and trying to make sense of it all.
I will never forget the silence that hung in the air, since all flights were halted. I lived in an area where planes flew overhead all the time.
I remember my grandfather passing away on the same day and having to wait for the air traffic to resume so family could come home.
I will never forget the images that I saw. I will never forget how watching this great country pulled together all their efforts to help where they could.
I will not forget crying a lot during that time. Yes, I’m a cry baby by nature, but I cried as the bell was rung as each name was read. I cried when I heard recorded messages from those who perished and watched interviews from survivors. I cried when I learned both my cousins were okay.
Thankfully my cousin in New York, lives on Long Island and did not work that day. I am forever grateful that my cousin was not injured or harmed in anyway at the Pentagon. Where he is still working today.
Here it is the 15 year anniversary. I feel myself getting emotional. I’m sad for those who lost their lives, and those who died a hero. I’m sorry for the families left behind to deal with the loss that never should have happened. I’m sorry for the children who had to grow-up with one less parent. I’m sorry that I actually forgot for a little while that this did happen.
On Sunday 09/11/2016, I ask you to remember all those who lost their lives, their families, and the innocence we all lost on that day. Pray that this country holds together and stops all the protesting, and hateful, spiteful acts towards those who chose to protect us. Pray that our government and future new president will make the decisions that are in the best interest of the people.
Matthew 11:28
28 “Come to me,
all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.