September 11, 2017

It took looking out the front window and seeing the American flags waving along our street for me to remember what day it was.

September 11th.  9/11.

It was first my dear brother's birthday.  September 11th was always a wonderful day--beautiful weather and a good feeling at the beginning of a new school year.  I love September.  I sent JB a little message thanking him for the happiness he has brought into my life.  When it comes to brothers, he is absolutely the best.  I only got one, but I got him.  I will always be so grateful for JB.

I remember 9/11.  I was in our little apartment in Toledo, Ohio.  I was in my last few weeks of pregnancy and puttering around after Greg left for his day at medical school.  My sister-in-law Suzette, who lived around the corner (Brent was completing his residency in Toledo), called and told me to turn on the TV.  So I did.  And I sat dumbfounded.  Both towers were still standing while I watched.  First one collapsed.  Then another plane struck the other.  And it collapsed too.  It was horrifying to watch.

Pretty soon Greg came home from school.  He brought a few extra people since we had a TV.  We all sat for the rest of the day, rooted to our spots, watching the coverage over and over.  I'll never forget the horror of those few days.  I remember wrapping my arms around my bulging belly and being frightened to bring a new life into this world.  And with every airport shut down or in pure chaos, I had no idea how my mom would get to me.  I was feeling so scared and alone.

Eventually life settled down a bit, and on September 20, 2001, I delivered a beautiful baby girl into this world.  I felt heaven and earth touch fingertips.  She came with all the glory and majesty I could ever imagine.  My dear mother swallowed every ounce of fear and stepped onto one of the first flights out of Salt Lake City.  She was terrified, but she made it.  It was a beautiful time in my life, during a horrific time in the world.

So when I woke up today and spotted those flags, the memories came rushing back.  And I knew that it was 16 years ago, just like I will always know.  Next week, that beautiful baby of mine will turn 16.  It seems we have lived a whole lifetime since those days huddled in our small Toledo apartment.  My heart breaks for those who lost loved ones.  Sixteen years have passed.  Time marches on.  Lifetimes are lived.  But just like the famous catch phrase of the day:  We will never forget.