9.11.01 Never Forget

The morning of September 11th, 2001 I was up nursing my 2 week old daughter.  As Rick and I watched in horror he said the most scary words a military spouse can hear:  "We are going to war."  Those 5 words added dread to my crazy emotions.  I can remember being so scared, sad and shocked in those first hours.  I often think about those families that lost loved ones....I think about them more than on 9.11.  As a military spouse and spouse of a public servant, I think about  how quickly one's life can change.  I spent 17 months of my life wondering if my soldier was going to make it home alive in 2003 and cried tears of joy and relief when we welcomed his unit home. 

Monday I read a book written by a 9.11 widow ("Where You Left Me") and was touched by her story.  When I look at my children, I think about what their life would be like without their father and it scares me.  I hope that is something that we never have to face, but know that it is a very real possibility when I think about the career paths he's chosen. 

September 11th reminds me to be thankful for those men and women that our first responders and members of our armed forces, but it also reminds me about the strength that we have as a country and it makes me proud.  I am reminded to hug my children tight as I put them to bed, to remind my spouse how much he is loved, and to thank God for all that I've been given.

I will be thinking and praying for the families of those who were lost today, as well as those men and women in uniform who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  I will also continue to pray for God's continued grace in my life and for our country.

I will never forget.