9/11/01
Labor Day 2008 ~ almost 5 1/2 months old
It touches me deeply as I was teaching Math to a classroom full of 6th graders. The teacher next door to me had a planning period at the time and had her television on. Our school was brand new and had tvs in every classroom. I suddenly got a knock on the door and she told me to turn on the tv...fast! The students and I were horrified as we watched the smoke billowing out of the first tower. I could not comprehend what I was seeing or what was happening but heard her saying "plane crash", "terrorist attack", "World Trade Center", "New York City"...then the second plane crashed right before our eyes.
My immediate thought was that I should not have that tv on in a room full of children unless authorized by the Principal. Yes, I am a rule follower to the letter. I was very concerned that we were doing something we should not be doing. I was very concerned about my students and whether or not they could handle seeing this and how it would affect them. She kept saying it was history in the making. None of us realized the magnitude of this event at the time. Then the building began to fall...
I remember exactly what I wanted to do at that moment...gather my students close to me and keep them as safe as I possibly could. What in the world was happening outside our classroom door? I was so afraid especially as we got news of more hijacked planes...the crash in Pennsylvania (too close to home) and the crash into the Pentagon...isn't anyone safe...so very scared. Many parents came and picked their children up that day before lunchtime. My hope was that they would take them home and hold them as close as they possibly could. Like many other Americans, I was glued to the tv for weeks getting updates and trying to comprehend this horrific attack.
It never ceases to amaze me how people can be so totally wrapped up in themselves yet demonstrate the most incredible love and compassion for others in times of crisis and need like this event caused. My heart goes out to all those people who loss loved ones or their own lives during this event. My compassion goes out to those surviviors who were there and witnessed something so horrific happening around them. I cannot even imagine what they were going through at the time and afterwards. My respect and admiration goes out to our brave soldiers, firefighters, police officers etc...truly heroes in the eyes of all of us...
9-11-2009 ~ 17 3/4 months old today!
Watching a little of a memorial show...
As you can see, Rachel and I wore our Red, White and Blue today. She looked like a patriotic little angel as she ran around the waiting area at Sears and played before, between, and after her portrait session today. I teared up several times as I watched her sweet innocence and prayed for the ability to protect her always. I mixed in some photos and also one of her from Labor Day last year.
As you can see, Rachel and I wore our Red, White and Blue today. She looked like a patriotic little angel as she ran around the waiting area at Sears and played before, between, and after her portrait session today. I teared up several times as I watched her sweet innocence and prayed for the ability to protect her always. I mixed in some photos and also one of her from Labor Day last year. Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning
by Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
The greatest is love
The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?
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