nmah4858.xml

nmah4858.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

I received a phone call from my sister telling me that the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was being attacked. I turned on the TV around 8 am CST. I couldn't believe what I was seeing on TV. It was just unreal. Two of my children and I stayed glued to the TV until time for me to go to work at my father's Chevron station and country store. I was so shocked at what was going on and I didn't know what to expect next. Around three o'clock that afternoon the shock had to be set aside for a little while. A rumor circulated that gas prices were going up and there was going to be a shortage. I spent the next three hours continuously pumping gas trying to help the cars get through as quickly as possible. Daddy kept the store open later than usual that night. I went to bed that night physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. I could only guess at what tomorrow would bring. It was a very unsettling feeling. Although I was not directly involved in what was happening in New York or Washington, my heart and prayers went out to those directly involved.

As a result of September 11, 2001, I try to be more thankful for my blessings. I am thankful for my family, for my freedom, and for those who have fought to preserve that freedom. I am thankful for our leaders, our firefighters, and our policemen. I am thankful for those who sacrificed to help others during this national crisis. America has so much to be thankful for. God Bless America.

I think that September 11th should be a reminder to us that America is vunerable and we should take every precaution to protect America and its citizens. I think we should remember all those innocent lives that were lost. I think we should remember all the heroes. And I think we should remember those who are willing to die to protect and preserve our freedom.

My youngest son attached a flag pole to our front porch and we have proudly flown an American flag since September 11th. I have always been proud to be an American and now I am more proud than ever to be an American.