Remembering 9/11

Every day on my Facebook and Instagram sites I post a "THANKFUL TRAIN" message. I do this to make sure I think of at least one thing I'm thankful for each day reminding me of the Blessings in my life. Some days are definitely harder than others and let's face it...the Anniversary of 9/11 made today extra difficult. So here's what I came up with:

Every 9/11 the memories of shock, horror, sadness and disbelief spring forth. Everyone remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing all those years ago. It's etched into every fiber of our being...the day our safety and freedom was attacked. 

Out of the ashes of tragedy a great rise of love, hope and restoration emerged. The Heart of America, the people, "One Nation Under GOD, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All" poured out over the sorrow. We truly were *One* Nation under *GOD*, meeting the needs  of people however we were able.

Today, 14 years later, it seems that although the memory is embedded, our wonderful Country has seen a great divide. Our Nation is moving backwards as GOD is being pushed out of the Heart of America. 

Today I'm thankful for the memory of the *response* to this great tragedy in our history. The Love was incredible. The hearts of everyone United in the face of evil. I pray for our Great Nation, that we will get back to the *Heart* of what's truly important and remember...

"For with GOD nothing shall be impossible."~Luke 1:37

Jump on today's "THANKFUL TRAIN"...what are you thankful for?

Beach "Drum" Video For You!

Today after church I told my hubby I wanted to go down to the beach, grab a slice of my fav pizza & sit out in the pavilion area next to the pier and just relax. With all that's gone on, the beach just seems to fade all my stress away. It was a little breezy and the air was crisp, but it felt perfect. I don't know what it is about the beach...the crashing waves, palm trees, kites flying overhead, or just the general laid back environment that slows down the time, cares and worry's of life.

Today however was extra special. As we sat down, there were three guys who had brought various drums to have a beach jam session. The rhythmic beats of the drums adding to the calming feel of the crashing waves. As we ate, the group began to grow. Random people of all ages seemed to pop up out of nowhere & join in, adding more drum varieties, tambourines, and large shakers.

We finished eating & laid on the grass, staring up at the clouds, palm trees and pelicans gracefully soaring overhead. Allowing the music to eventually lull us away from all the built up tension. I told my hubby, "We haven't actually relaxed like this since Hawaii." It's strange how I live so close to the beach and don't take advantage of it. I'm going to make a point of enjoying it more.

As we left I recorded it to share with all of you. I didn't want you to miss out on the magic of the moment. Enjoy!

 

Sad and Scary Day Yesterday (Part 1 of 2)

I left work yesterday...late again to pick up the kids, but not driving fast like I usually do. Those of you who know me would be amazed how often I drive the speed limit, gas prices and my big gas guzzler has slowed me down. A lady in a blue Expedition was driving next to me, I noticed because every time we pulled up to a red light, she would gun it the second it turned green...I kept looking over because she was acting like she wanted to race...and she was about the same age as me! I guess I probably would have tried to beat her back in the old days when gas was $2.50 (always a little immature I guess.) Oops...I got sidetracked...it's hard to write about yesterdays events!

The lady beat me again, speeding past the kids school, I turned into the parking lot, spotting my two kids standing beside a group of about 20 other kids. All of a sudden I heard a loud chirping noise behind me as I stopped the car. The kids started screaming, "What the HECK!?!" My boys were running inside the crowd towards the street, into the middle of the road...I looked out my rear view window to see them standing in a circle surrounding something, on the ground. I jumped out of my car...worried they would be hit by oncoming traffic. Lying on the ground was a small white dog..the speeding lady had hit him, slowed down, looked in her mirror and sped away...with her child witnessing everything.

The owner of the dog was holding its little head as it laid there breathing hard and looking straight ahead, blinking and silent. It's right hind legs had missing fur and indented where the tire had ran over him. He had a little blood coming out of it's forehead. A neighbor came out with a flat cardboard box and a towel to keep him warm. We slowly scooted him onto the box and carried him onto the sidewalk while the owner ran to get their truck. I was holding the part of the box closest to his head...petting him, trying not to cry, he just kept looking, pleading with his eyes for help. We carefully put him in the back of the truck, they opened the back window to hold him in place as they slowly drove to the vet.

I don't know if he survived...but all night I just kept picturing his eyes and I felt so SAD! How could someone hit a dog and just take off!! What's wrong with people...and in front children!

After I got home the scary part of my day started...(part 2 tomorrow)...