Remembering With You

Two days away from the 5th Anniversary. And along with my American friends I remember with you. Oh, so clearly, I remember.

I had just sent the kids off to school. 'K' was in grade 6, 'J' in grade 4 and 'T' just in grade 2. Beloved hubby called from work to say everybody was watching something on T.V. that had happened in the States. Some sort of huge accident. He wasn't watching because he was getting ready to go on appointments but he told me to turn on the T.V. Not really knowing what to expect, I got the dayhome kids settled, playing, off in another room, and turned on the T.V. I couldn't at first comprehend what I was seeing. Then listening, I found out a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I remember, having to sit down, and I immediately felt prayers rising up in my heart for the people in the building.

Then as I watched, the horror of seeing another plane hit, overwhelmed me. I immediately phoned my hubby to let him know. We stayed on the phone for awhile in disbelief, till he finally had to go. Then a kind of panic set in, and I felt like running to the school to pick up my children. Like now, immediately, not waiting till after school, to hold them, and to hug them and to get them by my side.

I continued to watch in tears, as the Pentagon news came, then the Pennsylvania news, then the collapsing of the towers. Checking on the kids continuously, the morning became almost surreal. Making it a movie day, I put on a movie for the kids in another room, got them treats and drinks, and kept the vigil by the T.V. , praying for those involved.

But another memory that really stands out to me from that day, with a Canadian touch, was the way the people from the east coast, from a town I can't even remember the name of, made room in their airport to take in all the planes that were immediately ordered down over North American airspace. And they made room in their homes to house the 1000's of people from all over the world, who were on these planes. A community taking strangers into their personal space, showing love and giving of themselves in a time of need. **Update**: Pamela from The Dust Will Wait has told me the name of the town was Gander, Newfoundland. A small town, not a huge city, with a population of only 10,339 in 1991, opened up their arms and took in between 8,500 - 10, 500 passengers from 39 - 53 aircraft. (Depends on the account you read. Anywhich way it's alot of people and a lot of planes). You can read more here and here.

As we come upon the 5th Anniversary, I remember. The horror, the victims, the heroes and the families that today are remembering their loved one(s). And I pray again, for my friends south of the border.

A Prayer For My Brother by William Phillips


A beautiful tribute in art to 911 is at this site .

Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is hosting a 911 Memories page where you can add your name to the link if you've made a post on remembering 911.