I remember that day vividly. I was subbing in a 5th grade classroom in our brand new intermediate school. The principal came to the door of the classroom and asked to speak with me. She told me that America was under attack and that when I had free time I may want to stop in the library (where the only working tv was....the school was THAT new!) and catch some of the news reports. She asked me to keep things as normal as possible for the students.
At lunch time I did join other staff members in front of the tv and we watched in stunned horror.
As a mom, I really just wanted to hold my girls. As a wife, I was glad I could talk to my husband, whose company was immediately put under heightened security, and so thankful when all four of us were together at home that evening!
As a believer, I prayed and cried out to God, and prayed more.
As an American citizen, I saw our country pull together in a way I'd never seen before, as the images which were imprinted on my heart were replayed over and over on the news.
Love for America, mixed with the horror and disbelief, a hurting heart for those who lost loved ones, and for the loss for us all of the sense of security we had taken for granted.
I remember boarding a plane for our family vacation less than two months later...the first flight my daughters would remember, glad for the increased security measures, but still feeling very anxious.
This morning I was awakened by sounds of airplanes and felt eerily chilled. I remember.... it is good to remember.
I remember hearing the news during my early commute to Newport Beach, CA. I was teaching elementary music at the time. Radio personality Rick Dees came on and said, "This is not a joke...." I was stunned.
ReplyDeleteUpon arrival to work, I saw the school secretary who was frantically answering phones. I decided to try and keep teaching as normal as possible for these young students. In times like this, music is a great escape, but oh to be the teacher in charge --trying to keep it together yourself.
It was a dark day, but, I do remember candles being lit when the dark night fell on a very long day.
Made me think of "One Little Candle"
It's better to light just one little candle
Than to stumble in the dark
Better far that you light just one little candle
All you need's a tiny spark
If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be free
The wonderful dawn on the new day we'll see
And if everyone lit just one little candle
What a bright world this would be
(Let's all light one little candle
Why stumble on in the dark)
When the day is dark and dreary
And your way is hard to find
Don't let your heart be weary
Just keep this thought in mind
(It is better to light just one little candle
Than to stumble in the dark
Better far to light just one little candle
All you need's a tiny spark)
If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be free
The wonderful dawn of the new day we'll see
And if everyone lit just one little candle
What a bright world this would be
What a bright world this would be