What does one say when this date of September 11 approaches? Most will say they remember where they were and what they were doing – just as those old enough remember what they were doing when President Kennedy was assassinated; when the Challenger broke apart that fateful morning of the launch; Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy’s assassinations; and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. There are so many things that have happened in our country’s history we couldn’t list them all. Some may have made more of an impact on us than others – but we remember!
Bill and I remember September 11th well. Our assistant principal came on the intercom and said we might want to watch what was taking place! It captivated the kids – some were scared, others watched it as if it were a movie; and some sat there in prayer! We left the televisions on for the remainder of the day with planned lessons now laid aside, and a life lesson being experienced. The kids had questions – but, we didn’t have the answers!
The next day the kids came back in telling of stories that they knew, or someone in their family knew someone on one of the planes or had been in the Towers. This made it more real to them. A teacher we worked with husband was in the Towers when both planes hit! I actually went to high school with him. God was with him and he had escaped from the 44th floor before the Towers collapsed! He was covered with all the soot and debris and had to walk at least 10 miles to his hotel. His family had gathered together and prayed until they heard from him which was not until later that evening. It was a life changing experience for him and his family.
Bill had a RESA trainee with him for an observation period so that he might be able to become a substitute teacher. He was as glued to the television as the kids were. Bill explained that sometimes you do have to put the book to the side and talk with the kids about what is happening now! Some parents came and picked up their children - the rest of us stayed until regular dismissal time. It was a very long and scary day.
As the day and evening went on, I found myself glued to the television coverage of what had happened – three planes causing three major catastrophes. I saw a veteran standing in the crowd with tears rolling down his cheek. He looked so sad and lost. It made me think of Dad, Bill's dad, and their generation as to what they had sacrificed for the freedom and safety we as Americans take for granted. What has happened to our country? Thus when I sat down, the poem underneath the following pictures of our fathers was written.
The following two pictures are of our fathers when they were overseas during WWII. It was becasue of men like them that we have the freedoms today that we take for gtanted! Thank you Dads and veterans from all across the country! My dad is in the picure on the left and he is in the middle - looks like they were digging a trench! Bill's dad is in the picture on the right. Also in that same picture is Bill's cousin - Ray Griffey. Ray is on the left and Clyde is on the right. Uncle and nephew met up while serving their country and protecting our shores while overseas.
The Tear in His Eye
The veteran represents a nation proud and strong;
Inspiring her to do what is right and not what's wrong.
Sadly he sits, and we are wondering as to why
This soldier of old has a tear in his eye.
Watching with disbelief so quietly, brave, and tall;
The nation he fought for is together for the good of all.
This obscured enemy will eventually learn about defeat
As God guides his nation back on her feet.
This veteran has witnessed her sufferings in the past,
Wars, assassinations, and the Oklahoma blast.
Now, we need not wonder why there's a tear in his eye,
As he watches the devastation that started in the sky.
The lives lost in Pennsylvania, Manhattan, and DC
Will not have died in vain, on this we all will agree.
So, to the veteran with the tear glistening in his eye,
We ask that you not worry on us you can rely.
The battles he fought helped mold us today;
The tear in his eye will now be wiped away.
His nation will comfort this veteran of old,
As the facts of what happened begin to unfold.
Phyllis Sue Hardin
No comments:
Post a Comment