I was at home, folding laundry on the couch, watching the Today Show. Griffin was 14 months old and down for his morning nap. Riley was in kindergarten and Katie was in 2nd grade; both were at school. Mark called me from his cell phone on his way to work and asked if i had heard anything about a small commuter plane hitting the world trade center. I hadn't. But, a mere minute later, Matt Lauer & Katie Couric interrupted their broadcast with the breaking news. I watched in horror, first believing it was a freak accident. Then, minutes later, watched in complete disbelief as the second plane hit during the live broadcast. I had called my mom to make sure she was watching and then quickly called Mark and pleaded for him to come home. I feared for him, for my father who was working in a tall building downtown Indy, and for my children, who were at school. I remember calling up to school and asking if i should come get them. The receptionist told me that the schools were in lock down. She said i was welcome to come get them but that they were safe, and unaware of all that was going on. Later that afternoon, the children would be told by their teachers, a very brief explanation of the day's events, before they left for home. They sent home a memo to parents letting us know how and what the children were told. I kept that memo and have it tucked in their baby books...a small piece of American history. The remainder of that day was a blur of emotions, prayer and deep sadness.
I will never forget the horrific images, the feeling of helplessness, anger, fear and the 24/7 news coverage. I will also never forget the feeling of fierce patriotism, of unity and of love for our country. We lit candles, we prayed at candlelight vigils and gave blood. We displayed flags on our home, our car, and our clothing. My heart aches for all that we lost on that terrible, fateful day. I pray for peace for all those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and since then, fighting for our freedom. As difficult as it has been to re-watch the videos and re-live the events of that day leading up to this 10th anniversary, it's imperative that we never forget the worth of our freedom and those who have died, or are willing to die protecting it. I am forever grateful.
God bless the United States of America
♥
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