9/11: We Will Never Forget, United We Stand!

One of the best songs ever written, and especially about this monumentous, although tragic occasion, is Alan Jackson's "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning," It's magnificent. Because it truly captures how we all felt on this day eight years ago.

None of us will ever forget where we were when we heard the terrible news. We remember what we were doing, who we were with and for some of us, even what we were wearing. We remember the great sadness and despair that we felt. The sheer and utter fear of not knowing what was coming next, or if it was. The deepest sense of loss and emptiness. The disbelief that this could even happen to America. It may have happened to America, but it is the one time in my life where I remember the entire world turning out and showing up for America. It didn't just happen to us, it happened to the world, and the world did truly stop turning that day. For a moment in time, and only once in my lifetime, the world--not just America--came together. We were made stronger and kinder and through the most horrible side of humanity, rose the greatest side of humanity. This incredible piece of music and slice of tragic life (of those taken, and those survived) is the link for today.

I think about 9/11 a lot, not everyday, I'll admit. But, lately. And often throughout the year. Although I didn't know anyone personally who died eight years ago today, my heart still grieved for them all. For them and their loved ones. For their parents, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and children. For their spouses, their friends and all of their families. I grieved right along side the rest of this country.

I was in my room, sleeping in my single day bed. My mom woke me up with these words "we're at war," and the rest of the day was lived in a fog. No one knew quite what to say, how to act, or what to do. Everyone at school was quietter and more guarded, but also nicer. It was weird. The following month I fell into a serious depression like the rest of America, and I can see why. You couldn't not be depressed about the events that took place. It was just horrible. I still can't watch coverage of it, because my eyes still fill up with tears and my heart just breaks. The images of people falling out of burning buildings, airplanes and high story windows are images I will never forget. Images of firefighters and EMT's and everyday people trying to save one another--literally. They are all forever ingrained in me.

I think that although the events that transpired eight years ago today were awful and tragic, we have truly risen from the ashes. And the days following, we stood United and strong! There was just something different about that Autumn in 2001. It was a kinder, gentler America that was doing its best to pick up the pieces together. It is my sincere hope that we can remember and reignite that feeling this Autumn. It is my sincere hope that with all the criseses that this country is facing eight years later; healthcare, economy, war--that we can once again learn how to stand United. That we can put out differences aside and celebrate everything that is good and true about this great nation--despite all of the bad. And it is my hope that no one ever forgets what went on eight years ago today. That people use it as an inspiration for a better life, for a more focused life, and for a more cherished life--for and of, yourself and those you love.

Thank you, Lord, for the healing, the strength that came from terror and most of all, for the last eight years since where there was no repeat event.

9/11/01: We will never forget. May all the heroes & sheroes and angels of the day rest in peace, as well as those that became angels. To those who participated in negative ways, Karma's a bitch. Let's remember the fallen, and always remember...UNITED WE STAND! God Bless America!

In Light & American Love,
-Sarah Liz