Thursday, September 11, 2008

September 11th


This morning Halle said, "I heard a guy on the radio say that we're celebrating September 11th. What are we celebrating?" She was only a baby when the actual 9/11 events went down. I reminded her that September 11th was the day the airplanes flew into the buildings and many people were killed. And it's also what started the war we're still fighting. (I didn't explain that we're now fighting for other reasons too.) So then she said, "Oh, I remember this day in school last year. It was fun." Me- "It isn't supposed to be a "fun" day, just a day to remember and respect the lives that were lost." Halle- "I know, it's the remembering that makes it so fun."


As I pondered over her little thought process, I came to my own conclusion that maybe she's not so far from the truth of the matter. Of course, it isn't "fun" to see the images of the towers falling down, the thousands of people mourning over lost loved ones, or pictures of our troops fighting overseas for us. Those things are NOT fun. But it is "fun" (to use Halle's words) to remember the great sense of pride I felt those few weeks after the attacks. I LOVED seeing all the flags on display on almost every house. I loved hearing the stories of how many people, perfect strangers, helped each other. For a small time, everyone in our nation seemed united and loved each other. And God was remembered again.


So today, I am choosing to focus on and remember all the good that came from 9/11 rather than dwelling on all the sadness that surrounds it. It's more healing to my heart anyway. Not that I'll ever forget the past, but remembering the good and looking forward to more good is the way I want to celebrate September 11th.

12 comments:

"The Queen in Residence" said...

I too remember the Patriotism that was felt. It was amazing.

Today as I walked back from taking the kids to school, I had to stop and absorb the site. Our entire neighborhood lined with American Flags that were gently moving in the breeze. It was brethtaking!!! For a moment I remembered the reason, I felt the saddness of that time, but I also felt great joy that I live in such a wonderful country.

I agree with you that we need not forget but we also need to be positive about what did happen. It was a time when God was felt everywhere and hopefully we still carry that feeling with us?!

becky ward said...

hear,hear! nice thoughts elena and halle.

and i love your new header. are you guys all on one chair?! love it!

Deidra Smith said...

Thanks for the reminder. I haven't looked at a newspaper or turned on the t.v. today so I didn't even realize what day it was. And I appreciate your positive attitude, we get so caught up in the negative a lot of times that we forget that even the greatest trials bring us new strength and help us to appreciate what we have more. Thanks:)

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

It is a pretty reflective day. And I really tried to figure out what to write about today - something that would not be too trite. Like normal. But my lists that I went with - kind of remind me of the idea that life goes on. That we were not stymied by those cowardly acts. And that we continue to be reflective. To dream. And to plan.

Elena said...

Queen- The scouts put our flags up too. It was a nice sight.

Becky- One chair and the floor. It didn't turn out quite how I imagined, but at least I got a new picture.

Deidra- Thanks, I thought it was good thing today too.

Kat- You're absolutely right. We have to keep moving forward.

Stephanie said...

thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Camille said...

Very good thoughts. Good thing we have kids around to keep our perspectives in check!

Unknown said...

A day we won't ever forget right? Hey, just for your info. I got word today that Bethany Abegglan passed away a couple days ago. They don't know the cause of death yet, her obit. should be in tomorrow's paper. Just thought I would pass that along. It shook me up a bit about how fragile life really is...

Miki said...

Ooooooooh, so much better put than on my blog. I hadn't read this before I posted my post (even though I fibbed and said I did...naughty me...again!...man, I'm being naughty this week! Wiping sand, saying I've read things. Sheesh).

Anyway, who could have put it better than you, the hopeful optimist (the lover of all that is good). You are just special. Yes, you are...

Anyway, will try to remember the good that came. I've been crying too much this week over this. I'm so sad for all of those families, still, after all of this time.

Anonymous said...

Jeni- Thanks for passing that info along. That's so sad. I saw about 2 years ago. It is scary to think how fragile life is.

Jennifer P. said...

I loved this take on it Elena. What more can I say?

~Janet~ said...

Great 9/11 post. I really felt like it was overlooked this year.