Remembering 9/11

Isn't it funny how time causes one to forget?  It's said that "time heals all wounds", but quite frankly, I'm surprised how the horror of that tragic Tuesday has melted into simple "American History".  The acts inspired by hatred and "religious" zeal has forever changed our country.

I'll always remember that Tuesday morning.  Teenager was just a baby back then ~ and I was still in my first trimester with Bubby.  In the midst of folding laundry and hearing "Sesame Street" in the background, the hubs called and told me that an airplane had flown into the North Tower.  I immediately flipped to the early morning news show, and sat horrified as I witnessed the second plane slam into the South Tower.  Even though they were trying to be professional, the news anchors were visibly shaken as they announced that America was under attack. 

I'll always remember the look on President Bush's face as he was informed of the breaking news.  In later interviews, he admitted the feeling of rage and sorrow he felt at that moment, while, at the same time, trying to keep his facial reaction neutral so that he wouldn't upset the children that were surrounding him at the time.

I'll always remember the sight of the buildings crashing down upon themselves, and horrified people running for their lives.  I'll always remember the looks of terror, devastation, and sorrow.  I'll always remember the genuine care and concern Mayor Giuliani displayed as he walked around his city, assisting those in need and simply asking if they were okay.

I'll always remember seeing the Pentagon ~ the symbol of our military might ~ with a smoldering, gaping hole in its side ~ people again, fleeing in terror, running for their lives.

I'll always remember seeing the fiery, charred remains of an airplane in Pennsylvania.  I'll always remember the brave, heroic sacrifice of everyday people that were determined NOT to let their airplane be a weapon to destroy their beloved country.  "Let's roll!"  was the last words heard by a soon-to-be widow. 

I'll always remember feeling shocked and appalled that this would happen to MY country.  This was the USA.  No one ever messes with us, I reasoned.  What will become of us?  What will happen?  Will there be even more attacks?

Then, in the midst of the darkness, a song.  I'll always remember how Congress stood in unity on the steps of the Capitol and sang "God Bless America".  

I'll always remember President Bush's telling us about the attacks.  The resolute, firm determination in his voice ~ in spite of the tears in his eyes ~ made me proud of my President and my country.

I'll always remember President Bush with the bull horn on Ground Zero saying, "I hear you, the world hears you, and pretty soon the people who did this will be hearing you."

I'll always remember the service where Franklin Graham spoke, reminding us that God didn't just "let" this injustice happen.  It happened because of sin.  All mankind were sinners, needing a Savior.

I'll always remember how fierce and determined the American Spirit was and is.  I'll always remember how we, as a nation, finally seemed to realize that we were, in fact, completely dependent on God.

I'll always remember.