I had just graduated from Tech and promptly moved to San Antonio in hopes of finding my way. We'd just lost Momma not even a year before, and I knew I couldn't go home just then. I was still crashing on Em's couch, looking for jobs and getting to know my way around the big ol' city. I had slept late that morning and Em had left for work earlier. The phone rang, and she said, "Turn on the TV!! The world's going to hell in a hand basket!!" She briefly explained what had happened, that a plane had hit one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I quickly turned on the TV, just in time to see the second plane hit. I don't remember what we said or when we hung up, but I know she came home shortly after that. We didn't talk much, just watched the news in shock. I think I called home to check on my family, even though I knew they were fine, just to tell them I loved them. The rest of the day was a blur. I remember going to church the following night with thousands of others, praying for the victims, their families, the first responders...all the while hoping and praying that whoever did this would be caught quickly and punished. Little did we all know what the next ten years would hold.
Ten years ago, I hadn't even met Justin, let alone dreamed that I would ever marry a fire fighter/EMT. (Pretty sure he didn't think that's what he'd be doing at that time, either!) I'm certainly not trying to suggest that being a fireman in DeRidder, LA, is exactly the same as being a fireman in New York City, but the risks are ultimately the same. As a firefighter's wife, I worry about my husband from time to time, even though I don't usually know about the calls until afterwards. I've been in the station once when the tones have gone off, and my heart dropped a little watching him drive off in the truck. I also worry about the things he has seen, especially the medical calls involving children. Those bother him the most, and stay with him long after the incident is over. I am so proud of him for who he is and what he does. He goes in when everyone else goes out. It's as simple as that. He is truly a Hero.
I hope and pray that my children don't ever have to experience anything like what happened on September 11, 2001, though I know the reality of that is not likely. When they're older, I'll tell them about it, about how horrible and scary it was, and about how men and women just like their Daddy gave their lives to save others. I'll tell them how, at least for a little while, the whole nation came together, to grieve and cry, and to help and support.
Today I pray again for all of those directly affected by the attacks of 9/11, those who lost family and friends, those who gave their lives trying to save others, those who tried to stop the hijackers...
I pray for our nation, that we will get it together and do the RIGHT things.
I pray for our military and their families, for all of the sacrifices that they make to keep the fight away from our homes.
I pray for the first responders, the men and women who keep us safe here at home.
I'm thankful today and every day for my family, my friends, and my freedom.
And I'm thankful that God still blesses America.
