September 11

I was trying to figure out the appropriate way to spend Sunday, the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. The kids don't know a thing about the day, have never seen images, have never talked about it, so I knew it was up to me to make the day special in my eyes, to remember all those lives lost.

I knew there was going to be a special presentation at church, so I was a little nervous about the oldest going into service with me. Thankfully there were no photos included in the presentation, she is still oblivious which is fine with me at age 7.

We heard from an American Airlines pilot who lost many of his colleagues that day. What is typically his flight, 77 from Dulles to Los Angeles (which eventually hit the Pentagon), was scheduled for another pilot that day. He was able to help support the families of those that lost their loved ones, the most memorable moment, his pick up of the deceased pilot's car from the airport parking lot. He also told us about his orders to fly that flight 77, changed to 149, for the first time once it was reinstated September 21, 2001. He told us how the crew prayed together before take off and when they landed, how they all cried that flight 77 had finally reached its final destination.

We also heard from a couple who owned a bed and breakfast in Cape May. How they took in a man with no luggage, no home address, no phone number and no credit card number in October 2001. The couple's mission, to take in all who are weary and weak and need a place to rest, housed this man for weeks while he got his life back together. He had lost 13 staff members in the towers falling and was not able to get to his lower Manhattan apartment due to the damage and toxic smoke. He needed that place of refuge and the B&B was able to help him start healing from the horrific events.

It was so touching to hear these stories.

(A fantastic Raven's win should be noted for making the day exceptional)

The evening was pretty special as well.

Our little town unveiled a memorial statue, dedicated to all first responders, especially those who lose their lives in the act of saving lives. The statue is one of the I-Beams from Tower Two of the World Trade Center, the stone that supports it was found near the crash of flight 93 in Pennsylvania and the flag flying was flown over the Pentagon days after the attacks. Three local men came up with the design, local high school students help weld the piece together and the town came out to pay tribute to all first responders. It was a wonderful ceremony and quite emotional to watch local fireman touch the I-Beam and start crying.

I love that this town paid tribute to the day in such a special way.