This is Louisiana writing. I am writing about our nation as the anniversary date of what took place last year fast approaches. The date I am referring to is, of course, September 11, 2001, the day our great nation was attacked by cowardly terrorists who thought they could bring us to our knees by attacking our buildings and killing many innocent lives in the process.
Sure, the images are altogether horrifying: the sight of the Twin Towers burning (and then collapsing not even an hour later; the fuel from the two planes proved to be too much for the support system of the towers, and they became weakened; and as a result, they collapsed), the black smoke billowing from the wounded Towers and the people running helplessly for cover, many of them injured, the bravery and courage of New York's Finest police, EMT's, and fire crews trying desperately to save as many lives as they possibly could (and many of them ended up dying, too, along with the victims when the buildings collapsed), and the tears glistening in our President's eyes as he tried his best to offer a glimmer of hope to our shocked nation.
And not just in New York City: the Pentagon was hit, too, and that plane that had gone down in a Pennsylvania field was meant to hit the White House. So Washington D.C. was hit just as hard, and more people died in THOSE attacks, too.
There were more images, too, that proved to be just as powerful: the sight of the people crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, trying to flee the danger that was unfolding behind them, the bodies of people plummeting 110 stories in a true "leap of faith" (as if they had any other choice--it was either die as a result of being burned up or jump to freedom--), the debris raining down on many unsuspecting people, the sheer panic of people caught in a moment that would be known as "Black Tuesday", and the sight of a laughing crowd of people somewhere in the Middle East as they danced around, "celebrating" the attacks on America, and burning our beloved Flag, and then seeing the ugly, sneering face of the man most felt was responsible: Osama bin Laden, leader of the Al Quaeda terrorist network.
As an American, I feel helpless as to what had transpired last year, and I feel especially so because I happen to know a few people who were directly affected by the attacks, and I also lost a good friend who had worked at the Twin Towers and died when the planes hit. (She was instantly killed.) I feel nothing but anger and hurt inside, because I feel that Stephanie DIDN'T deserve to die in the manner that she did; if it weren't for those cowards she would still be alive today--and the World Trade Center Towers would still be gracing the NYC skyline today.
I shall never forget those images I saw on the news; and I shall never forget those who died at the hand of those cowardly bastards who call themselves "human beings" and call themselves "religious." If they were so "religious" then they wouldn't be killing or hurting innocent people, and they woudn't be hating others, just because they weren't "like them". I don't know what kind of "religion" they have, but it certainly goes against MY beliefs!!!!
And, as a result of those "unforgettable images", my children are scared; they don't understand why we were attacked, and they saw things they shouldn't have ever seen; and now, as a result, I am often awakened from a souind sleep from screams; they suffer from nightmares, and they are often depressed. The school-aged ones are especially scared, and they are trying to make some semblence over what happened last year, and now, that the "day" is approaching, they are feeling scared and vulnerable; and they are scared thet we will be hit again. All I can do is tell them to pray, and all I can tell them is that they are safe, and if they believe in Jesus and look to Him, the fear and uncertainty they are currently experiencing will pass.
Tomorrow, our church will be packed, and we will be remembering those lost in the 9-11 attacks; and pray that nothing of this magnitude NEVER happens on our shores EVER again. Until then, all I can do is hug my family and try my best to comfort and calm their fears; and pray for the safety of our nation. And hope that I NEVER see those "unforgettable images" again! Once was more than enough; we DON'T need a replay!!
>tears < and (((HUGS))) the images may never go away...we were all affected. let us resolve as a nation to rise above hatred...(((HUGS))) and love, karla. "always remember and never forget"
