September 11th

10 years ago 9/11 is somewhat of a blur, just like any other day, except for those few morning hours that are burned into my memory. I clearly remember sitting on my bed early in the morning watching the news, seeing Darrell in the bathroom getting ready for work. I remember the utter shock and disbelief when that first plane went through the WTC tower. I remember telling Darrell what happened and him replying in a serious tone that we've been attacked and this could not be an accident. I remember watching that 2nd plane shoot through the next tower and the revulsion and fear at seeing people hanging out of windows and some even jumping to their deaths. I remember the complete sadness that I felt for those people and their families and also for our country.

Immediately I wanted my hubby to stay home where it was safe, and I wanted our little kindergarten girl, Annie, to stay home from school unaware of the ugliness that was happening to us. Our country was under attack and I wanted her to remain naive and unafraid. But I also knew that wouldn't solve anything, I knew that if we stopped living our lives, stopped being free to live as we're able, then terrorism would win.

(Annie at the Healing Field in Sandy, UT 9/11/2011)

Yesterday for the anniversary of the attacks we went to the Healing Field in Sandy. We've done this several times before but for some reason I was especially touched by the thousands of flags, the new bronze statue "Hope Rising" and the absolute amazing number of people there. I saw a older couple planting the flag of their son, a soldier who died fighting the war on terror. I saw a couple other soldiers in their fatigues shaking the father's hand and hugging the mother. I was also touched at the stories each of the flags told, I only wish I had the time to read through every single flag! The cards attached to the flag have the name, age, location and a little story about each of the victims from the 9/11 attacks. Thinking of the sacrifices others have made for our country continues to bring tears to my eyes. Also, did you know that Sandy City was the first to do the Healing Field? It's inspired 100's of Healing Fields all over the country!

(the new bronze unveiled at Sandy City for the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks)

I'm so blessed to have been born in this country, to have my babies born here, and I am so eternally grateful for all those who died serving our country. I'm also grateful for those unspoken heroes that died not realizing the impact they had, those who went to work or just went about their regular daily routine on 9/11/2001 and had no idea that their death would mean so much to so many.

(Shawna at the Healing Field Sandy, UT 9/11/2011)

I will never forget...