September 11

Today is September 11... a day of sad memories for all Americans. My husband and I were talking today about how we can't believe its been 9 years since that tragic day. We remember it so clearly, as do most. I remember where I was when I heard the news. I remember what I did next and how I spent my day. I remember how I felt - all of the confusion, anger, sadness, fear.

Our lives were very different then. We had been married just under 2 years. We lived in Cleveland, Ohio on the 18th floor of a high-rise apartment building on Lake Erie. We had no children. Its hard for me to even remember life before my kids. But on that day, I was glad to not have to explain the horrific event to an innocent child since I couldn't even begin to understand it myself. We spent that evening in a local church praying with strangers. It felt right when nothing else felt right at all. A day of so much pain, loss and grief...

Nine years later, I spent the day doing things with my family... just enjoying my loved ones. I awoke to the sounds of my rambunctious 2-year-old...our home bustling with the activity that is unique to the very young (those with all the energy)... no alarm clock needed. Later in the morning, we had a Daisy girl scout meeting for Kiera's troop and we performed the rededication ceremony. As a coleader, I strive to instill in eleven 6-7 year olds concepts such as kindess, compassion, helpfulness, respect, sisterhood, strength, self-confidence, courage and bravery. No small feat, that. But by helping these girls to become good people and strong women, I invest in their future and the future of my community.

After that, hubby and I took the girls to the local SE state fair. This is family fun at its best... rides, games and oh my, FOOD. We ate and rode and baked in the sun. Hubby played a game and won two goldfish. And as a typical overworked mom, my first reaction was "great, something else for me to feed and clean up after!" I was really irritated with him for doing this... while Kiera and I were riding the scrambler and I was powerless to stop him. But the girls were so excited. How could I say no, right?

So, we stopped at the store on the way home and bought a small fish tank, rocks, food, pump and all the fixings for a nice new home for our new pets. All of this for two carnival goldfish who came out of a cooler full of hundreds of fish. They now have quite the sweet setup. The girls are in love. And I have to admit, I like the fish too. Watching them swim and listening to the water bubble through the tank is relaxing. Our new goldfish are named Edward and Jacob. I made it very clear that Kiera and her father are to be responsible for Edward and Jake... feeding, cleaning and all that stuff. Yeah, wish me luck with that.

For supper, we cooked out with my parents. We are very close to them and love spending time with them. I love the fact that my children are so close to their grandparents. A perfect ending to a nice day.

But after the kids went to bed, I went online and read some articles about 9/11 and shed a few tears (okay, more than a few) for all of those who were taken from us and will never again get to experience a day like the one I had today. Such a tragedy. Reflect, pray, be thankful and never, ever take anything for granted.