I think we all remember exactly where we were and what we were doing that fateful morning of September 11, 2001. It's etched into our memories as though it were yesterday. And while our hearts continue to ache all these years later, I feel it's important to share the acts of kindness and love that was happening all over the country in the midst of the chaos. I want to share my sis-in-law's memory of that day. She told me her story a couple of years ago while we were in Texas for my son's college football game. It's very moving and speaks to the very heart of sacrificial love, rising up in the worst of times.
I was talking to my
sis-in-law, Chasity, about not realizing I'd booked our flight home on 9/11
because let's face it, this is not a day I would purposely choose to fly on.
While talking, she shared her memories and the horror of the terrible attack
all those years ago. She gave me approval to share part of her story.
She worked for a large
hotel right by the Dallas Fort Worth airport. Immediately after the attacks all
flights were grounded. She witnessed tons of planes circling overhead,
anxiously awaiting the go-ahead to safely land.
The aftermath of the
grounded/returning/arriving flights were monumental. People were stranded.
Taxi's were overwhelmed attempting to get frantic, confused and distraught
people to nearby hotels. The airport called all local hotels and asked if they
could send employees in their personal cars to pick people up until their hotel
was filled to capacity. My sis-in-law immediately got in her car and headed to
help. As she reached the airport, she jumped out and started yelling, "I
CAN TAKE YOU!" People swarmed her car, throwing suitcases in the back and
piling in on top of one another. As she drove she was shocked to see people
walking along the freeway with their luggage in tow, trying to get to a safe
place, away from the airport. It was chaos and confusion. My sis-in-law
continued to make trips again and again until their hotel was full.
This day is etched in
her mind, as it is in each of ours forever. A day when innocent lives were lost
and families mourned the unthinkable. A day when people stepped up to do what
they could. A day when there was no such thing as a stranger, only people in
need and people willing to meet those needs any way they could.
Friends, on this
Anniversary of 9/11, may we never forget the love and unselfish giving of so
many people right in the midst of our Country's worst tragedy. From the first
responders who gave all they had to give...their very live...to the people on
the 3rd plane bound for another attack, who saved many by their selfless
heroism. Along with ordinary people just like my sis-in law, who saw a need and
acted! I'm thankful for her story and while we will never forget, I pray we are
always reminded to look for ways to be a Blessing to others daily.
"Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."~Romans 12:21
Jump on the Thankful Train...what
are you thankful for?
