Remembering, Reflecting & Thank You....

Eight years ago today was a day that changed my life and the lives of so many others forever. I was at home getting my 4 year old son ready to go to the babysitter and getting myself ready for another dreadful day at the office. I remember being in the bathroom applying my makeup when Robert came into the bathroom in tears. I asked him what was wrong and he innocently stated, "Mommy bunches of people just died." I will never forget that sentence he muttered. My reply was something like, "Honey, what are you talking about?" He said, "The tv, Mommy. Somebody died." And all I could think was, " Holy heck. When I left the room it was on Bob the Builder. What in the world did he manage to turn the tv to? So, I went in the living room to change the channel back to Bob the Builder and saw that my son had actually turned the channel to Good Morning America, and what he was referring to was actually one of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center. Apparently, an airplane had crashed into it. All I could think was "bummer," but I had to get to work, and it was going to be a HUGE BUMMER if I was late. My boss would chew my fanny all day.
So, I dropped my precious boy off at the sitter and told him not to think of what he saw on tv (he was still traumatized). It was just an accident, and it would all be okay. I headed to the gas station to get my Mountain Dew and donut (the breakfast of champions, I tell ya) and headed to the office. I pulled into the parking lot, and the DJ came on the radio said another plane has just crashed into the second of the Twin Towers. My jaw dropped. My heart sank. I hurried into the office and the phone was ringing. It was my boss who informed me that those plane crashes were believed to be terrorist attacks. It literally felt like the world stopped turning (as Alan Jackson stated in the song he wrote that day). And then two more planes crashed...one into the Pentagon and one into a field in the middle of Pennsylvania.



I didn't have any connection to the attacks...I knew noone who lost their life that day...but I still felt a loss...I was devastated. And how in the world was I going to explain this to Robert?
Well, I made sure that he understood it in a way that was appropriate for a child his age. And that night before bed, we prayed a little prayer for all those who lost their lives.
The memories of that day are still so vivid, as if it was just yesterday. I will never forget those attacks, those lives that were lost. It also made me realize that I am thankful for the life I was given and to never take anything for granted.
In closing, I would just like to say a big "thank you" to those of you who serve our country, both here and abroad. Thank you for fighting for the freedom of others. Stay safe and God speed.
God Bless America!
Thanks for reading! Until next time...