Thursday, September 11, 2008

Where were you?

All of us that were old enough, probably remember where we were 7 years ago today when we heard for the first time what had happened in our country. Where were you?
Me? I was a college student at BYU. I was up and in a made dash to get to work at the Payroll Office by 8 AM, so I didn't have time to watch any news that morning. I got to work and started working like normal. Helping people who were picking up their paychecks, answering phones, filing things. We had the radio on and were listening, which didn't happen all that often (a couple times month). That's when I first heard, over the radio. I was in SHOCK, disbelief. Trying to keep my emotions together and I did farely well. It wasn't until I got home from work and school in the evening when my husband and I turned on the TV that I lost it! When I just heard it, it was hard for me to visualize it, the horror of it all, so that helped for me to keep my emotions under control. It was COMPLETELY different to see what had happened. I can't believe it was 7 year ago. Anytime I think of it the emotions are still just as strong as first time I saw the footage.
I am so grateful for the men and women who have stepped up to protect our families. Many have lost their lives and we'll forever be in debt to them! I'm so proud to call myself an American and how the people of this country have acted and their willing to serve in different areas. So today and everday I am grateful to you, for you lives and service. It's because of you I'm proud to be an American!
So yet again, where were you 7 years ago today? And what are you grateful for?

3 comments:

Cori said...

I was at my parents house when I first heard. I woke up and my mom was sitting on the couch watching tv, which she doesn't do. And then I looked at what was happening and the very first thing I saw was couple hand in hand jump off the roof of the tower. I was horrified. Colin and I were dating then and I remember just feeling sick.
There are so many things to be grateful for, but today as I drive around and see all the flags and I answer Jakob's questions (they talked about it today in school) I am grateful for a nation that is free. I am grateful for a living prophet who helps us remember that we need to be ready for disasters, and in the next breath tells us what a great time we live in. I am thankful for children who can't even fathom the hatred that it took to make this a day of history, for my children's innocent, and the desire it gives me to want this world to get better. And I am so very grateful for my brother who knowing what this world is like joined the National Guard, to serve his country. And then has chosen to Have the army train him to be a fire fighter. What a brave soul. ANd there are so mamy more who have done the same and even given their life to protect my families freedom. And for that I am most grateful.

Anonymous said...

We don't know each other but I just stumbled across this blog post and thought I would answer your question anyway.

I was on my mission, in Tennessee with only 3 months left, reading my scriptures getting ready for the day. Our neighbor came over to ask if we had heard that the World Trade Center had been bombed. Two Elders quickly jumped next door to watch the news report. For some reason the importance of the event didn't register with me and I nonchalantly went back to my studies. A few minutes later I started to wonder why the Elders weren't back yet. The fourth Elder asked were the other two were when he came out of the bathroom. I answered that they ran next door to hear a report, "something about the WTC being bombed." He gave me an odd look, asked "again?" and then proceeded next door himself. Finding myself alone I decided it was best to go next door myself and see why the fuss.

We stayed and watched for the next few hours. We watched as the second plane hit the second tower. We watched as the towers fell. Something I have never understood, however, was why my companions were in such shock and distress while I was not. It was yet another tragedy and tragedies happen often, but we move on. Tragedy, it seemed to me, is just a part of life. Of course I mourned for those who lost their lives but I don't recall any other of the powerful emotions expressed by others.

Correction, I too felt the pride in the self-sacrifice shown in the aftermath of the tragedy, but then it frustrated me to see that it took a tragedy to bring this show of solidarity and brotherhood. It makes me think of Alma when he tells the poor Zoramites that those who humble themselves are more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble.

Despite how pessimistic I may sound I am deeply grateful for all the sacrifice and service that has and continues to be shown. I simply pray that it does not require tragedy to show more of it.

Anonymous said...

BYU. Headed to the HFAC. Hubs told me and it didn't really sink in right away.

I am grateful for frosting. Sorry. It's been a long day.

Actually I am really grateful to live in this country. That I am relatively safe and live in sanitary, luxurious conditions. And my family. Always.