A Decade Ago

I remember exactly where I was at... I remember exactly what I was doing... I remember exactly what I did when I heard the news...  But I don't remember it feeling like this.  Perhaps I didn't truly understand what it meant or what it would mean back then... Maybe I was in shock... All I know, is that this tribute truly took my breath away.  


I cannot imagine what this.... The pictures in this video are powerful, paired with this song truly touch my very soul... I'm not sure what would have been worse... to be a family member of a victim, a hero, or those families... who still don't know.  I have never been so thankful to God that my family was kept safe and is safe.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those effected by the events of 9/11.... and I will continue to pray for those who are and will be serving our country... families and soldiers alike.  Not just today, but everyday.  

American Soldier

Today marks the 9th anniversary of the Attacks on the World Trade Center.

My generation really haven't had anything impact our lives in this fashion, until the attacks on 09-11-01. The "scary stories" of war had always happened far away from us, not really mentioned on the news or in classrooms. Many people remember, still angry, still hurting, still lost in shock to a certain degree. The topic of war on terrorism divides families and friends, while people take passionate stands on both sides of the issue.

I'm not a very political girl. I pray for the candidates, follow on the issues that mean the most to me, and do my best to vote in the manner that I feel lead to do so. I don't pick a side when it comes to the debate on terrorism though... As horrible as the attack in New York was, it happens all over the world. Maybe it was just our turn? Not to say it is "ok" by any means, but I am not naive enough to believe for one second that we will ever live in a world without war. I know that it is necessary, otherwise there could only be one view... and I change my mind too much for that to become a reality. :) But I hate being asked "Do you support the war, elana?" I don't want to get into any kind of arguments or "enthusiastic discussions" over oil, terrorism, etc... I tend to focus my thoughts on the Soldiers. I support the soldiers, their families, and the sacrifices they are making... for my right to have an opinion! Maybe it is the "submissive/slave" part of me (or my personality) that helps me see past the dispute and see the heart of what is going on? Maybe it is because I am much more of a people person? Maybe it is because the soldiers and their families are clearly concrete visible... while the other is more theory?

Either way, war will always exist... Soldiers of all ages, races, and genders, will not make it home... Families will continue to lose children, parents, siblings, spouses, and loved ones… does that make it ok? No. But it makes their sacrifice worth so very much... I was brought up to have deep respect and humble gratitude to Soldiers and their families... I thank my Dad for that. He taught me to always say "thank you" to those who gave of their time, gave their life, limb or family member in an act of service to our country.

To Soldiers and their families today, please accept a meek offering of sincere yet intense appreciation... for doing what you do, so I can have the right to do what I do.

To those who's lives were changed forever on that September morning... you and your family will continue to be in my prayers.

Whispers of her Heart: The Final Inspection

Remembering

Of course I remember what I was doing. I was on campus, coming out of an upper level Human Resource class, my cell phone had three voicemails on it from my then-chain-brother. The whole campus was in panic, people calling home, going home, leaving Knoxville in fear that Oak Ridge would be next. I obeyed the messages that called me home. Everything was errily silent. A couple friends came to the house, my Owner was almost in a catonic state after hearing the news, pixie was there worried of her then-Master. The day passed so slowly, tvs and radios on, praying the phone would ring with news of Peoples safety...

I didn't allow myself to think about what was going on in New York, or the horror those Americans were experiencing... I had to be the strong person and take care of everyone else. (I guess some things never change.) It was much later in the next year, before I begin to really think about it. This morning I woke with it heavy on my mind, and when I found the story of Michael Hingson, I knew I had to share it.

Mr. Hingson is a blind man who worked on the 80th floor of the first building, and his guide dog, Roselle, who lead him safely down the stairs and got him safely home, even in the midst of the second building being attacked.


Roselle
by Michael Gaither

On that 9-11 morning when the planes came down,
He was sitting as his desk 80 stories from the ground.
We saw it on the tv, and though he didn’t see a thing,
When they hit, he reached for her, and she looked up at him.

Roselle the guide dog, she was sleeping on the floor,
She stood up and knew it was time to hit the door.
Roselle didn't panic or hesitate at all,
She just took his hand and led him down the hall.

We all need our own Roselle sometimes.
We all need our own Roselle sometimes.
A friend who'll lead you from the dark into the light,
We all need our own Roselle sometimes.

They went down a stairwell through smoke and broken glass,
She kissed the firemen as they ran quickly past.
When he felt the other tower fall he just prayed they’d be all right,
Then by the grace of a dog - they walked outside.

Outside in the wreckage he wondered where to go,
Then this yellow lab walked him to a cab.
That took 'em both back home.

I've heard angels walk among us, and I'd say it's true,
'cause I know one walks on four legs,
And wags hers tail when she looks at you.

We all need our own Roselle sometimes.
We all need our own Roselle sometimes.
A friend who'll lead you from the dark into the light,
We all need our own Roselle sometimes.