Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.

Remembering 9.11…where were you?

It’s an anniversary where the word “celebrate” is not appropriate but “remember” seems more fitting. Fifteen years ago today, radical Islamic terrorists hijacked four airliners and crashed two into the World Trade Center in New York City. Another was aimed at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and the fourth plane hit the ground around Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Every year, when the anniversary rolls around, I hear so many saying they remember exactly what they were doing and where they were at when they heard of the first plane hitting the Twin Towers. I would love to hear your stories as well as we remember the fallen today, those that gave their own lives for others and those that had to go on living. 

I remember. I am sure we all remember. We had just made a major move to another state, another city and The Sweetheart was still working as an Air Traffic Controller in Indianapolis. We were hours away from each other. The two younger of My Three Sons had just started in their new schools, clear across a city that I could barely navigate through by myself.

Kyle, my oldest, was still at home that morning when we heard the news on the radio of the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. The Sweetheart had just left the Indianapolis Center and was on his way home. I called his cell phone in a panic just as the second plane hit. By then I was ready to get in the car and go get both of my boys at school. The same thought went through my mind that probably went through yours: When would it end?

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed as we calmed down and began to pray. Praying for peace, for help, for direction, for the President, firefighters, first responders, police officers and anyone affected by the horrific tragedies that were still unfolding.

Prayer was all we could do but it was definitely the most powerful tool that those of us on the sidelines possessed at the time.

The world changed that day. 2,996 people lost their lives and thousands more were injured. We are more vigilant, more cautious and more aware of what is going on around us, especially at large gatherings. The world is still a dangerous place because of people who have no regard for human life and yet we do not stop living! We don’t cower in fear, we get up every day and LIVE. For those that believe in an Almighty God, we trust Him that no matter what comes our way, we know we have HOPE and, ultimately, it is not in this life.

Today, at churches and homes all across America, we will remember those that gave the ultimate sacrifice: their life for another. We salute them, and hundreds of thousands like them that continue to serve today. They walk out the door every day not knowing if they will return and their families say “goodbye” day after day, wondering if it will be their last.

Thank you for giving, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for committing to a field of work that most definitely will not make you a wealthy millionaire. Thank you for going the extra mile.