...remembering...

ten years ago today, a 3-year old isaac came running into my room.

'patti, patti, wake up! meme's new york city is on fire!"

i, of course, had no idea what he was talking about. "what?", i asked, as i groggily got out of bed.

"mommy said to come and see. meme's new york city is on fire and broken."

as i followed him into the living room rubbing the sleep out of my eyes i called out to my cousin, joy, who was sitting on the couch, "joy, isaac is saying crazy stuff about new york city being on fire."

joy was watching the today show, eyes as big as saucers. she motioned at me to sit down. i joined her and as i looked up at the television my heart sank.

"joy, what's going on? is this real?"

"yeah....there's been some sort of explosion at the world trade center."

we sat there in stunned silence. watching. waiting.
i was having trouble processing.
i think i thought it was all a dream.
i was hoping it was a dream.

we watched, in horror, as a plane hit the second tower.

this was not a dream...it was a nightmare.
and it was actually happening.

i grew up on the east coast. new jersey to be exact.
seeing the sun shine off those two towers was part of my everyday life.
and then, in an instant, they were gone.
...and so many people with them.

i haven't been back to the city since the attack.
in fact, i've only been back east once since then - when my sister got married.
and, even though that was maryland, something was different.
you could tell something was...missing.
the atmosphere was strange. heartbreaking.

ten years have passed.
ten.
i can hardly believe it.

today, our boy scout troop (troop 14) honored those who lost their lives on that fateful day with a flag ceremony.
and that once 3-year old boy, who is now 13, carried in our country's flag.






today, my thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost loved ones in the attack on our nation - september 11, 2001 - we will NEVER forget

but, i am still thankful.
thankful for...

#31 America - land of the free, home of the brave
#32 unsung heroes
#33 firemen
#34 policemen
#35 the US armed forces
#36 hope
#37 courage
#38 memories - good or bad
#39 renewal
#40 restoration