I couldn't have said it better, myself.
10 years ago, I was 15 years old. I sat in health class, and all I can remember is our teacher turning on the television and seeing the World Trade Center tower engulfed in flames. At this age, I knew terrorists existed, but it was one of those things you only see on TV, and read in the newspaper from across the world. It was never the thought of, "This could happen to us." We are America. The greatest nation the world has ever seen. There is no way, and no possibility.
But on September 11, 2001, that "no way" turned into "today".
I remember it was a beautiful September morning here in Houston. The skies were blue and sun was shining. It was an easy day with health class being the first of the day, and then swim class afterward. When the announced came overhead, I was speechless. It was something my 15 year old brain couldn't comprehend. I was scared, and I was worried. "Where next? Perhaps Houston and our oil were the next targets?"
My mother called me on my cell phone, and asked if I was okay, and all I could think about was my dad was out of town on business. I remember my mother assuring me he was okay, and that he would be coming, soon.
I walked to swim class, and the rest of the day was blur. I don't remember what happened. All I remember is going home, and turning on the television, popping in a blank tape, and hitting the red button to record. I stayed up all night watching the devastation unfold, and hoping and praying for answers. I truly don't believe I have ever felt such sorrow in my entire life.
Till this day, the tapes are still tucked away, but memories are still vivid. And the images from that day will forever tug at my heart. I remember in our photojournalism class, we were taught to put aside our emotions and capture the raw. I must say, its a very very hard thing to do, however, when you're behind that glass, its so surreal, and your adrenaline is pumping that I can imagine being in a situation such as 9/11, its almost scary, and you're even hesitant to put your camera down, because in that split second, you leave a window of opportunity for the emotion to overcome you and overtake your job perimeter. I can't even imagine having to document such, but am grateful to those that do.
Back when I was 15, I didn't have a husband, or a daughter, or a home of my own. But as my baby gets older, and as the years go by that Jr and I are together... everything we have been through as a couple and as a family... When you relive such news as 9/11, I think it hits home even harder, because you begin to put yourself in the shoes of the victims, and even those who just witnessed from a short distance. You can't even begin to fathom what they were going through, what they went through, and how they are healing.
Saturday night/early morning as I sat at watched A&E's 9/11 documentary, it was almost as if I was watching it for the first time since 9/11 happened. Tears streamed down my face, and all I wanted to do was hug my baby girl, and never let go. I wanted to tell my husband that as much as we argue and fight, I love him more than anything, and that all we are currently struggling with, we will overcome, because we have a loving God who will see us through. And then I told myself.... things could always always be worse. There is always someone, somewhere out there, who is struggling 10x's harder. And I can't even imagine if they haven't turned their life to over to Jesus. I remember struggling when I had no relationship with Him... I'm not sure how I ever survived, and sometimes, I still question, but I always have an answer... Him. All these thoughts were going through my head, and although things aren't looking peachy in the Ayala Casita, they are looking, and we are looking forward... Just as 9/11 victims are; just as our beloved country is. We are strong, and we are United.
President Obama read this Sunday at the 9/11 Tribute/Memorial opening:
- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) -- Psalm 46
God Bless America! God Bless our Freedom! And God bless the People!
Faith, Love, & America,
Casey
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