nmah6713.xml

nmah6713.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-09-10

I saw it on television and thought it to be such a travisty. It was horrifying. I lived amongst Muslims as a child growing up Christian and had experienced some bigotry because of my religion, but I was apalled at what I saw! It was evil.

It affected my so deeply & left such an indelible mark that as a result, I began a Ministry titled (www.IJNHOPE.org) to momorialize the victims, their pain and how I fit into the picture of this nation. You see I'm from Pakistan and a Christian because an American missionary from Ohio (Samuel Martin) went to Pakistan in 1867 and evanglized the people living in the village from my familial village. It is named after him (Martinpur). THe Hope he brought to my family & his contribution along with that of others who influenced the creation of Pakistan as a democracy because of the influence of the Christian schools etc, resulted in Pakistan becoming a democracy in a largely totalitarian part of the world where most governments are still that way.

There were heroes, out of the ashes of 9/11, we grew stronger as "One Nation Under God."

Oh how I wish I could

A 9/11 Memorial by: © Shabnam Chowdry

The day started like any other day
We said our good-byes on that September day
Never in my wildest dreams could I see
That the love of my life be taken from me

But oh how I wish I could, reach up to the heavens and touch the stars
I know in my heart that's where you are
I'd tell you all the things I didn't get to say, hold you tight and say I love you
This to God I beg, I pray, This to God I beg, I pray

Still can't believe that you are gone
Sad to say that life goes on
So many dreams they were shattered for me
Can't believe such a monster could do this to me

I reached into the closet and grabbed what you wore
The scent of your skin still haunts me more
I cried so much and almost lost my way
Not a day goes by that I can't say

I'm at the gravesite with an empty heart and an empty soul
My arms are aching cause it's you I want to hold
A day won't go by, that I'll see your face
All those memories, I just can't erase

They tell me you're in heaven now, safe from harm and safe from pain
It's good to hear till I see you again
In my heart I'll never forget you
The Love we had still remains

But oh how I wish I could, reach up to the heavens and touch the stars
I know in my heart that's where you are
I'd tell you all the things I didn't get to say, hold you tight and say I love you
This to God I beg, I pray, This to God I beg, I pray


© 2001 Shabnam Chowdry. All rights reserved.

I think the flag represents many things which I researched in terms of the colors and what they represent historically. I incorporated these into the Poem called the "The Hope Pin" . I would love to send one (The Pin & card to the Smithsonian if someone would contact me. (ijnschope@sbcglobal.net or (317-897-5950)
On 9/11/2001 the United States, "One nation under God" was attacked.
The Twin Towers to the ground toppled, our spirits dashed
But the glory of our Flag stands proud, in our hearts and across our land
Red for Valor of heroes who sacrificed their lives
And Hardiness of the families who lost loved ones that tragic day
White for the Purity of American hearts
And Innocence of children lost that sad day
Blue for Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice we seek
As we move forward from such a terrible, dark day
Black for the many deaths we witnessed
In such sorrow, helplessness, and despair
Yellow for Hope in our God, forever just and always fair
In His (Jesus) the nations will put their hope. Matt. 12:21
This spells it out so well.