This morning we dressed in red, white, and blue in honor of an important day of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001 and for the heroes who emerged from this tragedy. As the stories of heroism materialized, and as Americans pulled together, our country was united as it should be. I will never forget the story of Todd Beamer from Flight 93. Such stories remind us of what it truly is to be an American.
Before Lacey headed out the door this morning, I asked her if she knew what happened on that day 7 years ago. I had enough time to give her the 15-second version of the story before I scooted her out the door and off to school. Lacey is 6 1/2 years old and in the first grade. I was 6 months pregnant (almost exactly) on September 11th, 2001, expecting dear Ms. Lacey Grace. I was at home that morning and watched on TV as the horror unfolded. I subsequently discovered the anxiety and trepidation that only an expectant mother can possess. What was I doing? How, how, how could I bring a sweet, innocent baby girl into this atrociousness? I felt, somehow, irresponsible for being pregnant during such an awful time in the world. If this was happening now, what kind of inhumanity was in store for the future? It all seemed so hopeless to me and my pregnant self. Then, a few days later, I looked at my little page-a-day calendar of quotes and found a quote that gave me hope -
"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on." ~Carl SandburgI decided this quote made a lot of sense, and if God thought the world should go on, then I should do the same. How glad I am that the world did go on, and I have been privileged to witness the happy childhood life of a little girl born just 3 months after September 11th (and I didn't even know about that baby boy who would join us 4 years later.)
Each year our school has a little ceremony on the morning of September 11th for the children. I attended today because Madi had a part in the program. As the ceremony began we observed a moment of silence, then saluted the flag, recited the pledge, and listened to a teacher explain (for just a minute - we have 3 & 4 year olds at the school) about the significance of that day. Then we heard a poem about heroes from some of the older students, honored a few local firefighters (one being a mom at our school), and ended the ceremony as my daughter, Madi, and her friend, Lauren, sang the national anthem. Oh let me tell you, I was a proud mama! The girls sang so beautifully and so respectfully, with their hands over their hearts as they looked to the flag. They were shining examples for all the little people at the school to see.
Sometimes, especially lately, amid the political divisions and ugliness, disaster, and tragedy that I seem to hear about daily, I feel a little like I did that September 11th morning 7 years ago. I find myself wondering what is in store in the years ahead, and it can get frightening. But, today is a good day to remind myself of that quote I discovered back in 2001. I know of plenty of babies who have been born just in the last few months, so I choose to believe that it is still God's opinion that the world should go on! There is much in this world that is right and joyous even in the midst of all that is wrong and tragic. This I do believe!
4 comments:
This is beautiful LaRae! What a great opportunity for Madi to share her talents. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't even remember that today was 9/11 until I saw a flag at half-mast. I was wondering why, and then suddenly, I remembered. Our family has been able to visit Ground Zero twice since 9/11 and it was a sobering and memorable experience.
Wonderful post! I am sure Madi did an awesome job...I wish you had that on video and you could blog it:)
I loved your 'baby' quote. I spent last night watching a documentary on 9/11 and still felt the grief and fear that the day brought. Thanks for your post - I am glad that your school is still remembering and honoring those lost.
Thanks LaRae! I needed that. I was very sad last week remembering that day. I know every single American can probably say where they were and what they were doing the moment they heard. I was pulling out of our neighborhood (just feet from where you must have sat watching it) on my way to work. I too watched the documentary that was on the history channel last Thursday night and for the first time really realized the HORROR of those who lived nearby watching the events unfold. At the time, I was scared for myself, and my family and my future, but did not feel an eminent threat to my personal safety. The documentary was from individuals who were actually living in New York, watching it all unfold around them. I am sure their horror of the events was probably overshadowed by their fear that they personally were probably in terrible danger. I cried at least 3 times. Thanks for the quote. I eased my mind a bit!
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