Sunday, September 11, 2011

"Thank you"- Looking back on September 11,2001

It was just another morning.....getting ready for work, getting kids ready for school, thinking through the day that lay before us....

Moments later America was forever changed.  Lives lost, "good bye's" that never got said, suddenly people were more important than things and prayer was a priority in our lives as we fell to our knees asking for miracles, asking for strength, comfort and peace....but most of all asking "why?"

To the thousands who lost their lives that day, I never knew you yet I have never forgotten you.  I often reflect back wondering what your last moments were like, wondering about who you were and what your day was supposed to be like.

To the families of those who lost their lives, I often think of you and offer up a prayer for you.  I wonder how you are doing 10 years later.  I think of the children who lost a mom or dad that day and how you have carried on in spite of the tragedy.  I pray for all of you, that God has been your refuge, a very present help in time of trouble.

To the first responders- the police, the firefighters and the EMT's.  Thank you!  You are still my hereos.  Many of your co-workers died that day as they tried to rescue those trapped.  Yet, you had to carry on, and I realize you all faced the possibility of your own death as you bravely worked looking for just one more survivor.

To Mayor Rudy Guliani I thank you.  The task that you had in front of you was enormous and you did not back down.  You were a rock for New York City during those following days and months- you showed leadership and courage.

To President Bush and Mrs Bush- Thank you.  With just a few months under your belt as leader of the greatest nation in the world, you were faced with making some difficult decisions and shouldering the weight of a nation's fears and sorrow.  You are to be commended for your leadership and your love and compassion in the days and months that followed.  Mrs. Bush, what a comfort you were to the children as you so lovingly and calmly visited and loved on them.  You are a true lady, full of grace and beauty.


To every hospital worker, and the Red Cross and all the organizations that jumped to their feet to assist in any way you could, thank you!  I am in the medical profession.  I know the mode we go into when we are called to respond.  For the overtime, the missed breaks and lunches and hard work- thank you

To every church and pastor who opened their doors for those who needed comfort, had questions or just wanted to quietly kneel and pray- thank you.  Thank you for taking time to share Jesus with those who were looking for Him that day and in the days to follow.  Thank you for giving the greatest gift one could gift- the gift of sharing Jesus.

To every person in TV and journalism who found themselves thrust into a never ending story- thanks for the long hours worked and for putting yourself in the midst of the rubble in order that we might see what was going on and be able to "love" those folks from afar as we watched it unfold on TV or listened on the radio or read in the papers.

To every soldier who prepared themselves for what was to follow and for every man or woman who enlisted in the military at that time in order to hunt down the horrible terrorist that did this. THANK YOU!  Thank you for giving yourselves and putting yourself into harms way  to defend the freedom we enjoy.  Thank you to every family of a soldier who said good bye to your loved one not knowing if you would ever see them again. Many of you have not as your loved one paid the ultimate price for freedom.

To every American- what a day September 11,2001 was!  It was a day that will forever be engraved in our memories and as we know....America was forever changed.  It was a day that Americans came together, united.  We hugged each other, supported one another, prayed for one another and gave of our time and our energy to help folks we didn't even know.  At that time, people became more important than our things, prayer became a priority and suddenly we understood (sadly it didn't seem to last) that God is in control and He deserves all respect and honor and He is the Authority.  As horrible as that day was- it did bring about some good in Americans.



To God be the glory.   I love you Heavenly Father!