Five years ago, I looked at my five month old son and realized that he would never know the world that he was born into. As the towers fell, so did the life that we had planned for him.
Looking at my son as the TV cast a red glow of terror across the living room, I knew that his life would be different than I had hoped. Though I didn’t know how, I knew that these events would change the course of our lives.
Five years ago, Joel decided to become an Army officer. He wanted to go to Afghanistan. He will soon get his chance. Yesterday I too became an Army officer.
The events of September 11th changed the direction of our lives in a way that I could not imagine on that day. In a way that I am only now beginning to understand.
I did not know anyone that died on that day. I do not recognize their names or faces, but I mourn for them still. Because they were my family too. And they are missed.
We can not forget. We can not grow weary, weak or complacent. Because we can never let this happen again.
I was in the hospital as I watched the towers fall. I had Aaron the day before on the 10th. What a different world they will live in than what we grew up in……
Comment by Debbie — September 11, 2006 @ 1:40 pm
It seems that everything changed. I’m not sure quite why. It’s as if some bottle was uncorked or something…the whole world is different.
Blessings to you and family. I’m praying for all of you.
Comment by SingingOwl — September 11, 2006 @ 8:19 pm
For my mother and father’s generation it was “Where were you when JFK was asassinated?” Then for many people, the defining historical moment was the Challenger Space Shuttle exploding.
Now it is where were you on 9/11. When I first heard about the towers, I was in chapel at A/G headquarters on a “field trip” of sorts with a missions class.
I was not sure what to believe and was anxious to get out of there and go home and find out. Joey had been in chapel at CBC and he rushed home. Forget classes, we just spent time together that day. We had only been married less than three months.
My contribution to the day was silly, but it was mine, I cooked dinner, had a friend over, and made apple crisp. We needed something all american.
Thank you Joel and Amy for serving your country. You are an inspiration.
Comment by hillery — September 11, 2006 @ 8:54 pm
I, too, remember exactly where I was when I first heard the news. I was driving down the street in Tulsa to my travel agency job. That was a horrific day for us. We spent the entire week saying things like,
“No, we don’t know when they’ll be allowing the planes to fly again.”
“No, ma’am, there are no rental cars available right now, but we will contact you as soon as we find something.”
“Yes, sir, I understand that you’re stuck in New York. We’re doing everything we can to get you home.”
Mostly we just served as a source of comfort for those trapped in New York or DC.
I’m sure everyone has been thinking about that day recently. And I agree with you, Amy. I didn’t know anyone that died that day. I don’t know their faces, but they are my kinsmen and countrymen. They are family, and I mourned for them as I would for anyone that I love.
I admire you and Joel. You serve us well. Thank you.
Comment by Nicole — September 12, 2006 @ 9:09 am
My daughter was 7 months old. I remember thinking the same thing. Monday, as I reflected on that, it reminded me that God is in control and I can have peace no matter the situations.
Comment by Larry Litle — September 13, 2006 @ 11:57 am