How I Remember 9 - 11

I will never forget that morning.

I dismissed my sixth graders from class and passed the English teacher in the hall. She leaned in and whispered that a plane had crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center.
She had just left the nurse's office.
Our school nurse had an old television from home in her office. Those of us with a planning period found ourselves watching, standing stiffly with our hands over our mouths...barely able to speak. We watched in disbelief as the first tower came down a few minutes after 10am.
We were late to fourth period.

How would we reenter our classrooms, stand in front of these young innocents and teach like there was peace on Earth? It was decided by the administration not to tell the children. It was best for them to learn the tragic news through their parents. With heavy hearts, we finished our school day and entered into what seemed like endless news, tears, worry of more to come.
I have such gratitude for all of the men and women that brought themselves to the heart and heat of the tragedy to help...grateful to those that enlisted to protect our nation.

I remember being both proud and scared that my oldest daughter, Amanda, was an EMT. She was crew chief with two volunteer rescue squads that were always receiving new information and training in the event of further terrorism.

Early this morning, September 11, 2009 ~ my other daughter, Rachael, boarded a 737 for Seattle. Although she approached this day of work related travel with apprehension... she flew safely.
She told me that before they reached the Rockies, the rainy skies cleared and the beauty was spectacular.

Those towering mountains remind me of our strength and perseverance...which can never crumble.

Here's an incredible slideshow with the music of Enya's Only Time

I've watched it every year since 2001.

Photo of Rockies found on Creative Commons: by kvanhorn