Remembering 9/11

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

10 years goes by in a flash! 

Tyler was 5 years old and we lived in Vancouver Washington at the time.  Our home had two floors and I was sleeping upstairs when Dean ran up the stairs to tell me that the US was at war.  It was a surreal moment- I carried Tyler's little sleeping body down the stairs and sat in front of the television- stunned like I imagine most Americans were.  Tears streamed down my face as the reports came in of the people who were lost, the rescue workers who freely gave their lives and the thought that America would never be the same again.  I recall so clearly looking at my sleeping son and the stark contrast between his innocence and the hatred we watched play out on the television- it was a moment I will never forget.

 

America, just like our lives, would never be the same.  We are not impenetrable to attacks, the way we travel has been immeasurably altered and we are not as carefree as we once were.  But there are some things that no one can ever take from America- We are free to love, laugh, disagree, speak and do what we choose!  We have a resiliencey that has been tested and found to be firm! 
We do, however, have short memories- perhaps a coping mechanism because remembering the tragedy of that day or the other senseless acts of violence would simply be too much to bear.

 

Tyler is 15 now, we live in Battle Ground Washington and our home is a single story (good thing since there is no way I could carry my man sized son down any stairs!!).  Our belief and love for America is stronger than it was before 9/11:  maybe that old saying is true- you never know what you have until it is gone. 

America is worth fighting for and the dream called America is still alive & well.  Perhaps 9/11 will forever be that one day per year where we cast aside differences and come together as One Nation, Under God- Indivisible With Liberty & Justice For All- we have so much to come together for!!

 

Cheri Perry 9/7/2011