While running errands with the kids we got to talking about how school went. Aubrey's class talked about 9/11 and what it meant. That led to so many questions ... and a few tears. Do you remember where you were when it happened?
My mom sent me an email telling me I had to turn on the TV that we were going to war. I didn't understand what it was about. It was early morning, before Brian went to work. I turned on the TV to watch a re-play of the towers being hit by the planes. I was in shock.
Aubrey was 3 and Brandon 5. I was 8 months pregnant with Jon. I remember sitting on my floor just holding and rocking Aubrey for so long. I called for Brian and we just sat together all huddled up. Brandon on Brian's lap, Aubrey in mine and Brian and I holding each other's hands. He stayed home from work because there was a feeling that we all just needed to stay together. I kept wondering what kind of world we were bringing babies into. We watched the news all day long. It wasn't until a day or two later that they told parents that children should not be shown the pictures since it would be traumatic for them. Oops, we were so overwhelmed with emotion, we never thought about it.
Do you remember the feeling of unity throughout the country? We didn't know anyone who was killed that day, but we prayed for their families desperately. All those emergency workers who jumped in to help. All those terrified, innocent people. How amazing to feel united in the same righteous indignation. How the flags waved all over the country. Did you hang your flag today?
As we talked about it today, Aubrey kept saying she 'didn't get it'. I smiled at her and reassured her that no one did back then either. How is it possible to hate a people so much as to kill them like that. I'd never known that we were hated so much by others. I still don't understand that hate.
I cried as I described to her the story of the brave folks that knowingly sacrificed their lives to fight against the hijackers and take the plane down where it couldn't hurt anyone else. Americans are a tough people. Deep down, we know what is right and how to behave. On this day I pray that God will bless America. Help us to be the nation that he has prepared us to be. My heart is full. I will not forget.
