I remember my day very clearly. I remember what I wore, the moment I found out, and the immediate blanket of sorrow that fell over everyone that I knew on September 11th, nine years ago.
I was a 4th grade teacher "back then". My day was like most others...I walked into the school office to give my daily dose of a "hard time" to the office staff who I adored...and saw the horrendous looks on their faces. They were watching the news on a small TV. I remember Ms. Debbie leaned back in her office chair with her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. I said "What happened? What's wrong?" In silence they pointed to a small TV which was replaying the footage of that dreadful attack on the World Trade Center after happening only moments before. I remember the tightening in my chest and the feeling that the air was being sucked out of the room as I watched. Butt I watched. I watched for as long as I could, 15 minutes or so, and got enough details to know that this was a major tragedy and a huge crisis for our country. At the end of my break, as I walked out of the office, I had tears rolling down my face.
I wiped my tears and put on a fake smile as I approached my sweaty and stinky 4th graders coming back from P.E. Lauren, a sweet little girl, wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her sweet face against my stomach, and squeezed tightly. Still attached to my body, she looked up at me and asked, "Why do you look so sad?"
Careful NOT to share any details and to protect their innocent hearts, I shared simply that "some very bad people did something terrible and hurt a lot of people". I told them that when people do things like that, it makes me very sad. I shed a few more tears as I looked at their faces and realized this would affect them too. In the comfort of their homes and with the strength of their parents they too will be told about this tragedy. With the media frenzy happening, I knew that they would see much of the devastation that was occurring. Something they shouldn't be exposed to, but would since they lived in the U.S. No one had immunity from this situation.
What I didn't know, was that within hours it was going to get worse.
Another plane crash in Pennsylvania.
Horrific numbers of lives lost.
Terrible video and photographs of extreme sadness and despair.
Immediate panic of another attack with some concern that Atlanta could be a target.
Soon, my principal was at my door in a small panic...
Our school was on lock-down until further notice. Parents began showing up to get their children in hopes of getting them home to keep them safe.
Uncertainty & sadness overwhelmed me.
At the end of that school day, I was so glad to be home, on my own sofa, watching the news, gathering information and letting the tears flow. I sobbed for what seemed like hours.
I know that we were ALL affected by 9/11 in that we are all a part of this country that we live in. Today, I pray for all of the families who experienced loss and prolonged pain from the events of that day. I continue to pray for the soldiers that fight to protect our rights, freedom and safety.
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
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