story7049.xml

story7049.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

I was getting ready to go to school and I heard from the other room what was being said on the television. I was stunned. All I could do was sit down and watch. I couldn't believe what was happening. I had tests at school so I continued to get ready, which was very difficult because I kept stopping to listen. On my way to school all I could think is what is the next target? Are my children safe? Since I live near Dallas, I was concerned about attacks on the Dallas/Fort Worth area and the airport. When I arrived at school everyone was in the conference room watching it on a big screen and some were crying, some were angry and some were just numb. Needless to say my instructor said "We are not having school today, if you want to leave that is fine. All I know is that I am staying right here and not moving." I left and picked my children up from school, because it was thought that the schools may be a target in the area. I was not going to take a chance and more than that I wanted my children with me so that we could discuss what was happening and try to help them understand what was going on. I also wanted my children to know that we needed to take the time to pray over New York and our President for their safety and to just some how comfort them. I really felt helpless knowing that I was soo far away to physically be able to do anything, so I just prayed. For weeks the firefighters in the metroplex, as well as all over the country, were taking donations and I put in a donation at every one that I saw. I know it was not alot, but I wanted to know that I was doing something that would be helpful. On the one year mark, I really didn't think I would be as emotional as when it happened. Well, I was very wrong! I cried most of the way to work off and on listening to the phone calls being replayed and seeing the images just put me back in disbelief that it could have happened. I do have one thought and that is that I am soo very thankful that we live in a country that will not tolerate terroism and that we just do not allow the different groups to retaliate on our soil. I never understood how the countries could put up with frequent bombings by different groups and continue to kill innocent people. It seems that they should have some way of enforcing something to put a stop to it. They apparently are not hiding the fact of who they associate with, they will then take responsibility for it after the fact and I just do not understand how it can go on. All I know is that I am soo proud to be an
American and I am soo thankful to God that I have the privilege to live in this great country where I can openly worship him and not fear for my life for being a Christian. This country needs God, and until we stop shutting him out of it, we unfortunately will still see heartache. Lord use me for your good, put me to work for you to share your word with others and let your light shine through me. I love you Lord and I want to honor you and I thank you for loving me and saving me when I did not deserve it. God Bless America!