Today, I’d like to take a moment to reflect, to express gratitude and to say a prayer for all those who were affected by the horrible, nightmarish events of this day 10 years ago.
It doesn't matter how many years later it is, the enormity and sadness from this event in our lives doesn't fade. I imagine it had to effect each of us to some capacity. If nothing more than to remind us not to take advantage of time with our loved ones, to tell them we love them and value them. I never let a phone call end to my children without telling them I love them.
On that fateful day, I was sleeping in due to my late work schedule, when my youngest son came running into my room telling me “America is under attack!”. It was unimaginable! He had to have misunderstood what he saw yet the tone in his voice …. I won’t forget, I can’t forget.
We sat on the sofa huddled together watching in horror and in total utter disbelief. Numbness, not wanting to let go of my son who I love, wishing my two older children were still at home and not at school already. Eventually, he went to school and I went to work. I highly doubt any of us accomplished anything.
At the time I was working for a hotel at SFO (San Francisco International). All flights had been grounded by the time I arrived to work. Another employee and I stood a long time looking out the window at the eerie runways sitting lifeless. I think I was simply trying to will everything back to life, back to normal and still make sense of the madness.
As we stood there, we watched one sole plane arriving from China with military jets escorting the passenger plane. The military had orders to shoot if the plane went off course, it landed at the airport without any incident. Then it was once again deadly quiet.
Standing there looking out at the lifeless airport, I started contemplating life, contemplating the directions I’ve taken and taking stock of what was truly of value and what wasn’t. It wasn’t the house, the cars, the ‘goodies’, the materialistic things that were so important to my now ex husband.
Life is much to short, to unpredictable to continue to live in a marriage without love, to work in a job without passion. It was the start of a brief downward spiral before realizing that wasn’t constructive, it wasn’t healthy and it was time for changes in my life. Changes were made and now I have a marriage filled with love, a ‘job’ I’m passionate about and a life I want to live and embrace. I don’t take for granted those I love, I cherish the moments spent with them and it’s never enough time!
Let’s take a moment today to say a prayer for those lost, for their families and of course I always add a prayer for our soldiers who serve diligently at keeping our country free and safe. And just as importantly if not more, take a moment to tell those in our lives who are important to you, that you love them, show them by your actions so they know how important they are today and for all your tomorrow’s.
Monica, such a powerful entry, I remember waking up that morning and sitting there in shock in front of the TV as the second plane hit the tower. I could not believe what was happening. I went to work in a daze , my store was so quiet , it was eerie.Will never forget that day, Hugs to you Lisa
ReplyDelete