This day has a different feel for me
8 years ago today a crazy thing happened. It broke my personal mold of what I thought was possible, and really shook me. I was in Katy, TX at the time, but I felt right there.
I will never forget where I was when I heard the news. I doubt anyone will who is old enough to remember. I was in 2nd period art class when a truck pulled up to the side of our classroom. The teacher went outside, came back in, and silently turned on the radio. It felt like the 1940′s, all of us quietly listening to something far away that we didn’t quite understand.
The day means much more now, especially to me. Unknown to me in 2001, I discovered that September 11th is also my parents anniversary. It is now much easier to remember.
Some may think it a bad thing to have a celebration associated with a tragedy, but I don’t see it that way. Today for me is now about being thankful.
I am thankful to live in America. I am thankful for my wonderful parents, who I love very much. I am thankful to feel safe and secure. I am thankful to be living in Texas (and under their roof still). I am thankful for my government which tries very hard to do the right thing. I am thankful for the time I spent in NYC, both in Nov 2001 and in 2008.
All of these things come to mind today. I have much more to be thankful for, but on this day, these are the big things. Family, Country, and an abundance of Love. It is a shame it took a tragedy to make me appreciate these things, but in that sense, I am also thankful.
RIP to the fallen, and Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you.
Thanks for thoughtful post. We love you too. One of the things I recall from 2001, is we decided to get away from the television, go ahead, get out, and celebrate our anniversary. We’re glad we did. We were surprised to find the restaurant full of people getting on with life even though the day had a tragic beginning. I’m sure there are many birthdays and other anniversaries celebrated on this day. For all it is a day of remembrance.
What beautifully written heartfelt words. We love you too. I remember on that day your dad had ordered flowers to be delivered for me. When I went up to the front office to get them, their presence seemed to remind us all that even with all the turmoil and emotion going on that day the flowers gave us all a glimmer of joy.