Starting Friday I wrestled about doing a 911 post. I didn't want to. I don't want to
do a post that is a reminder of something unpleasant. I vowed when I started that
I wanted my posting to be positive and uplifting, minus any negativity. But I realized
that certain aspects of 911 can be a positive story. It is a story of hundreds of
men and women that laid down their lives for total strangers. It's a story of a country
that when faced with a most unimaginable and incomprehensible evil, united together
with strength and resolve to combat these forces. It's a story of hurting peoples who
at the loss of their loved ones has found the ability to face all their tomorrows without
those loved ones. Oh, I have to admit like you, I still can't wrap my mind around the
fact that another human being could feel so much hate and have so much evil in their
heart that they could want to take the lives of innocent people just going about their
work on a beautiful September day. But I am thankful that I can't comprehend
this and may I never have a heart to be able to .
On Sept.9, 2011 I began my morning as usual. I went to work at the Shell gas station/convenience
store that my husband and I had just bought 2 months prior in northern Canada,
having just moved here from our home in the US. We were
fortunate to have our home in the back and on 6 acres in a country setting. Everything went
along as usual. We were very busy in the morning with people heading into the city for work.
Sometime shortly after 8:30 my husband came in and told me one of the customers had told
him a plane had flown into the World Trade Center in NY. I was quite surprised, but thought
it was a small plane probably with someone who maybe had a heart attack or a plane malfunction.
After all, who could think anyone would purposely fly into a building? Since our home
was attached to the business, he suggested I run over and turn the news on. I did. It didn't
take long to register that this was no small plane and it wasn't any accident. Before I could
get back over to tell my DH so, I watched as a second plane hit the second tower. I couldn't
believe it. I ran over to the station crying, "We're under attack, someone has purposely
flown those planes into those buildings!" I was crying, he just stood there in disbelief.
All through the morning we took turns going back and forth between the house and
the station keeping the other posted about what was happening. Our dear customers
were coming in expressing their sorrow and support, as Canadians to me an American.
I know it sounds crazy, but I wanted to be there. I wanted to be back in the US. There
was no rhyme or reason to my feelings. I just wanted to be there to somehow fight
back against these evil doers. I knew there was really nothing I could do if I where there,
but it was just my gut reaction. DH and I ended up doing what I sure so many of you did- pray.
It's been 10 long years now. But we must never, never forget. Not only the precious lives
that were taken that day, but the lives of the men and women that are on battle fields now
as a result of that day. These fallen soldiers should be honored for laying down their
lives as a result of 911 and their families sacrifices acknowledged , as well.
I just say "thank you" to all who have kept our countries safe.
Please take a moment when you have time to google: Gander, Newfoundland.
As I said, my new Canadian neighbors expressed their love and support for
the USA immediately. I have since heard of this small community where 38
planes were diverted on 911 and over a thousand people from 93 different
countries had to be housed and fed during this time. It's a wonderful story of
how this small community pulled together to unexpectedly 'entertain strangers.'
Blessings,
Ever have a day where you feel like this lovely lady? Well, this is me today!!
