My America

I have had a weird feeling all day. One of somber remembrance of the world as it was 7 years ago. This post really got me thinking.
This morning, I was getting ready for work. It was an unusually good hair and make up day. I had a good cup of coffee, good breakfast, slurps and wiggles from the dogs and off I went. I heard on the radio that they were going to have a moment of silence at the same time that the first plane hit the first tower. By that time, my mind had gone back in time. I found myself remembering where I was, what I was doing, who I was with, and my heart broke all over again. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I pulled off the interstate. My beautiful make up job was in the toilet, or actually in an emergency fast food napkin that I had between the seats.
I'm sure everyone remembers where they were and how they found out about the attacks. It is etched in our memories. For hours, while I was struggling to try to work and drown out the TV news reports, I refused to see it on the tv. I heard all about it. I heard others talking about it. But I didn't want to actually SEE it. Finally, I gave in. Late that afternoon, when there were few around, I watched. It was unreal. Like a sci fi movie.
I wont forget the first time I heard the national anthem after 9-11-01. I won't forget the first time I saw a flag flying at half mast the next day. I won't forget the stories of those close to family and friends that were effected by this tragedy. I won't forget the feeling of pride that I felt in our country when people of all races, shapes, and creeds bound together at churches or temples to worship and comfort each other. I've never seen it in person but on tv, when I see a plane take off from an aircraft carrier, I get this warm fuzzy feeling inside. THAT is my America. Land of the free, home of the BRAVE. People that can set aside all the differences and help their fellow man. People that come together for a common cause. People, seemingly playing a small part as their cog in the wheel, seeing that they are part of something bigger.
If anything came out of 9-11, I would hope it is camaraderie. I pray it continues and grows stronger. I pray that people can put their differences aside and see that we can live in harmony. This is a beautiful, wonderful place. But America is only as strong as the people that call themselves American.
When I drove past our little airport this morning, there was a small plane circling, getting ready to land. Pre- 9-11, I wouldn't have given it another thought. I found myself watching and waiting to see what was going to happen.