story8395.xml

story8395.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-10-08

My sister turned on the radio around 900a and heard a plane had hit one of the towers of the World Trade Center. As she told me she walked over and turned on the TV and we watched in horror it was on fire and the second plane came in and hit the other tower. Unable to believe what we were seeing we were stunned. The rest of the day we were glued to the TV. The sad part is that it was my youngest daugter's 28th birthday. We had planned to all go out to dinner to celebrate her birthday but instead everyone came to my sister's house. Our families and one of our brothers and his family gathered in the living room joining hands making a circle. We went around the circle and everyone said a prayer even the youngest who was 7. Those prayers were so touching and especially the children as they prayed for the people in New York and Washington and our country. The birthday was celebrated by a family together in prayer and love. The next night we went to Houston's First Baptist Church for a citywide prayer service that brought all faiths and nationalities together. On Friday of the same week we stopped at 700p at a restaurant and were led in a prayer by the owner. Candles were lit and red, white, and blue ribbons were handed out to wear. The following week my husband and I traveled to Washington, D.C. and went up on a hill that overlooks the Pentagon where a makeshift memorial had been set up. There were bears, candles, flowers, photos, letters, and memorial services programs for some of the victims. There was even a baby stroller tied to a tree. The huge black hole was gaping open in the Pentagon but the beautiful colors of "Old Glory" gave hope and pride. As we traveled from Houston and back we participated many times in efforts of support for the victims of the terrorist attacks on our country. We signed two huge posters at the Natural Bridge in Virginia that were being taken to New York and Washington sponsored by a local radio station. Then in York, PA we hought water and other items at Walmart to be taken by huge trucks from Walmart to New York that very day. We bought homemade baked goods from firemen outside Lancaster, PA and donated money at several restaurants along our route to go to the families of the victims. Seeing the flags on cars, businesses, homes, farms, and churches gave us such a feeling of solidarity all across our country. We stand together and have a wonderful nation that we are not about to give up. Prayers are still being said for the families of those we lost on 9-11-2001 and their loved ones will not be forgotten. God bless them and Thank You God for Blessing America.