This image will forever be etched into my memory and the memory of all Americans across our great land. It will also be a memory to those around the world who witnessed our pain and even worse, those who caused our pain. In this horrific moment, we as a country, cried out in terror and pain. Not one person can look at this picture and not be taken back to that day 12 years ago.
I normally do not get political in my blogs but today is different. This morning I woke up with my daughter smashed up against my back making her little snoring sound. Like every morning, I make sure not to wake her and start getting myself together. I always smile a little and leave the room. This morning my heart felt heavy. This day marked what seemed like the beginning of the end. I started perusing Facebook and of course there were already tons of "Never forget...." and many pictures to remind us, not just of the day, but how precious this life is.
Further looking in my news feed and I just started getting more sad, yet more grateful. I have a huge amount of respect for the First Responders, the Police and any person that took it upon themselves to try and help out another. With no hesitation. No judgement. It truly was a day of absolute union. It was beautiful and traumatic all at the same time.
One day, on the anniversary of this day, I will need to set aside some time to explain to my daughter why this day is important to us. To Americans. I read in my news feed where a good friend of mine was explaining this day to her son. It broke my heart to read that she cried. She cried because she was watching her son think, mulling over the information and processing what he had just been told by his mother. This little boy was trying to truly comprehend why would anyone just randomly do this. My dear young man, we ask ourselves this question every day.
As a person very proud of my country, even with our redheaded step-child ways, I want to ask any of you to do this favor going forward in your life. Don't just take the time to be humbled and grateful for your family and your life today. Make this a daily habit. Don't go to bed angry, make up when fighting, hug a little tighter, kiss a little longer, capture a memory. Never stop being grateful and never stop thanking those men and women who fight for us, protect us and care for us.
There is never a guarantee in life.
