18 Years After the 9-11 Attack
on America
Today is the 18th anniversary of 9/11, the biggest attack on American soil
An attack that took the lives of many that day and also later days
A day of tragedy firmly entrenched in the minds of Americans
And a day that motivated a wonderful sense of patriotism in the country
I remember the day when a call from my husband interrupted our homeschooling
As he said to turn the tv on and watch ... it’s horrible... so we did
And tried to understand as we watched a plane crash into the tower
Thinking it was a video, but realizing we were watching a new attack
The tears came suddenly as the shock of the unthinkable froze us
Horror that such could happen in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave
Not sure if we should really believe it, yet we saw it ourselves in real time
Wondering what else could happen and were we safe
The horror continued as news came in and pictures were shown
As the country tried to understand this second attack wondering what was next
The newsman who said American is not under attack, this is in New York
Provoked an indignant response in me of Yes,they ARE attacking us
Because though we don’t live in New York and are farther away
New York is one of us and the attacks seemed deliberate even then
Attacking one part of the country meant that no part of the country was safe
Little was known at the time, but it was obvious Americans WERE being attacked
I had already planned to go to the store that day for needed groceries
So went earlier than planned with my children, finding the highways and roads empty
Feeling a fear of the unreal and unknown as there should have been many out
Seeing familiar scenes all coated in the dark dread of the unknown
Hurriedly buying groceries and heading quickly back to the familiar safety of home
Yearning to have my husband there also, but waiting for him to call
Holding my kids while tears streamed down my face, so thankful to have them
Praying for those in danger and asking that many would be rescued
A day of waiting, watching, praying and wondering what it all would mean
It was a day that fear crept right into our house and hearts and we cried
And still we watched desperately wanting a good outcome for more people
As the reality of the losses became more and more evident
Thankful someone finally echoed my thoughts and said America IS under attack
And feeling a oneness with other Americans who felt united in grief
So glad when my husband came home and for the crushing hug he gave me
As we clung to each other in sorrow with tears flowing down our cheeks
The next day was my oldest son’s birthday and usually a time for joy
He hated that the day after was his birthday and for years it has been a hard day
So young to be touched even in a small way by the evil that visited
His birthday ever after so close to a day tainted with harsh memories
The days after were equally sad as details came out of more tragedies and losses
As hope turned to acceptance and grief to angry outrage
Feeling a need to keep this from ever happening again, but not sure how
Seeing flags all over as patriotism united Americans and we cared about each other
God was an acceptable subject then as so many called out to Him for help
Flying flags, helping, comforting and listening to others became the new norm
Making me and so many others proud to be an American
Knowing we were united and would move forward in that unity
Many grieved and still do as the losses were deeply felt
But what has happened to our country that was attacked by religious zealots
Determined to kill any who disagree with them and furthering their agenda
That those from that same religion now hold offices in this country they attacked
So quickly we have forgotten what evil is so motivated to do
As we open borders and invite in those who come to infiltrate not find sanctuary
Many eyes are closed to the look of the future as more control taken by that religion
Of those not contented to worship in freedom, but driven to conquer and control
Why are we so foolish and caught up in entertaining ourselves that we do not see
The dangers around us and the freedoms being given away and also taken
Someday we will open our eyes in horror wondering how it could have happened
Though we willingly live anesthetized lives uncaring that history is repeating itself
Only God can fix the damage done because of hardened hearts and foolish minds
Of those content to live in the moment but oblivious to the future implications
Babies killed, tolerance for some, freedoms surrendered, addictions practiced
Claiming many freedoms, but missing the point of what freedom really means
Today is the 18th anniversary of 9/11, the biggest attack on American soil
An attack that took the lives of many that day and also later days
A day of tragedy firmly entrenched in the minds of Americans
And a day that motivated a wonderful sense of patriotism in the country
I remember the day when a call from my husband interrupted our homeschooling
As he said to turn the tv on and watch ... it’s horrible... so we did
And tried to understand as we watched a plane crash into the tower
Thinking it was a video, but realizing we were watching a new attack
The tears came suddenly as the shock of the unthinkable froze us
Horror that such could happen in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave
Not sure if we should really believe it, yet we saw it ourselves in real time
Wondering what else could happen and were we safe
The horror continued as news came in and pictures were shown
As the country tried to understand this second attack wondering what was next
The newsman who said American is not under attack, this is in New York
Provoked an indignant response in me of Yes,they ARE attacking us
Because though we don’t live in New York and are farther away
New York is one of us and the attacks seemed deliberate even then
Attacking one part of the country meant that no part of the country was safe
Little was known at the time, but it was obvious Americans WERE being attacked
I had already planned to go to the store that day for needed groceries
So went earlier than planned with my children, finding the highways and roads empty
Feeling a fear of the unreal and unknown as there should have been many out
Seeing familiar scenes all coated in the dark dread of the unknown
Hurriedly buying groceries and heading quickly back to the familiar safety of home
Yearning to have my husband there also, but waiting for him to call
Holding my kids while tears streamed down my face, so thankful to have them
Praying for those in danger and asking that many would be rescued
A day of waiting, watching, praying and wondering what it all would mean
It was a day that fear crept right into our house and hearts and we cried
And still we watched desperately wanting a good outcome for more people
As the reality of the losses became more and more evident
Thankful someone finally echoed my thoughts and said America IS under attack
And feeling a oneness with other Americans who felt united in grief
So glad when my husband came home and for the crushing hug he gave me
As we clung to each other in sorrow with tears flowing down our cheeks
The next day was my oldest son’s birthday and usually a time for joy
He hated that the day after was his birthday and for years it has been a hard day
So young to be touched even in a small way by the evil that visited
His birthday ever after so close to a day tainted with harsh memories
The days after were equally sad as details came out of more tragedies and losses
As hope turned to acceptance and grief to angry outrage
Feeling a need to keep this from ever happening again, but not sure how
Seeing flags all over as patriotism united Americans and we cared about each other
God was an acceptable subject then as so many called out to Him for help
Flying flags, helping, comforting and listening to others became the new norm
Making me and so many others proud to be an American
Knowing we were united and would move forward in that unity
Many grieved and still do as the losses were deeply felt
But what has happened to our country that was attacked by religious zealots
Determined to kill any who disagree with them and furthering their agenda
That those from that same religion now hold offices in this country they attacked
So quickly we have forgotten what evil is so motivated to do
As we open borders and invite in those who come to infiltrate not find sanctuary
Many eyes are closed to the look of the future as more control taken by that religion
Of those not contented to worship in freedom, but driven to conquer and control
Why are we so foolish and caught up in entertaining ourselves that we do not see
The dangers around us and the freedoms being given away and also taken
Someday we will open our eyes in horror wondering how it could have happened
Though we willingly live anesthetized lives uncaring that history is repeating itself
Only God can fix the damage done because of hardened hearts and foolish minds
Of those content to live in the moment but oblivious to the future implications
Babies killed, tolerance for some, freedoms surrendered, addictions practiced
Claiming many freedoms, but missing the point of what freedom really means
May we learn to be sober, be vigilant and watchful. Do you have memories of that day? Maybe you lost someone on that day... or remember where you were when you heard. I'd love to hear about it in the comments. Thank you for visiting.
