Remembering September 11, 2001

This morning brought back so many memories for me! Nick called, and mentioned what day it was.. I was already remembering where I was 7 years ago this morning. I was getting ready for work, listening to the news. Then the breaking news report came on and I stopped everything and went into watch. I got there just in time to see the second plane hit the towers. I just sat and cried! Not believing this was happening! When I got into work, one of our agents brought us in a TV to watch.. and we did.. ALL DAY! My heart was breaking for all those families and the WHOLE city of New York!Then the Pentagon was hit and Flight 93 crashing... it was a day I will remember for the rest of my life! All those people on the planes and also in the buildings... the bystanders.. and ALL of America!

Last summer when we went to Cooperstown, New York to watch Preston play baseball we were able to go into New York City as most of you know. We visited the site of Ground Zero. They are doing construction there, still digging. We were told that they still find body parts. The whole city of New York still mourns this day and this action as I know America does. We were able to go the the church across the street from Ground Zero.. and to see all the memorabilia is amazing! They still have posters of lost people.. most who were never found... photos of these people.. there is so much stuff in this church. My mom, Preston and I just sat there in amazement and just cried. Even Preston was touched by this.. the understanding of what really happened hit us all! It's so different than sitting and watching it on TV.. it brought a reality that I never imagined. Our tour guide also got teary talking about it! It was very real to her because she lived through every bit of it. I also was able to go to New York when the towers were standing tall... I couldn't believe the difference with them gone... the hole is amazing... and heartbreaking when you think of what made the hole and also... the thousands that lost their lives in that hole.. in the Pentagon and in the field. My heart goes out to all the families who lost their loved ones.. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love, not knowing if they suffered and have it so public. God Bless America and everyone who is hurting today!

I also want to send a heartfelt note out to some of my dear friends today.. you know who you are! Tracy, my friend who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer is having her surgery today and finding out the outcome of it all.. My prayers are with you... we love you guys so much! For everyone else.. if you can make it to the "Race for Trace" on the 20th.. please come! There is more information below in another post!

Here is a great poem that I love! It brings tears to my eyes every time I read it! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! .... GOD BLESS AMERICA!

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their Faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew Every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me For the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the Smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... This way... Take My hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You May not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have Reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God