September 11, 2001

 Most of us in the United States remember where we were on what we all 9/11. That was the day an airplane was flown right into the World Trade Center building.

As we watched the smoke we saw a second plane plow into the second tower of the Trade Center. Ater wondering if the first had been an accident we then knew that both were on purpose.

As we watched the horror we learned that a third plane had gone into the Pentagon which holds the offices of major military officials as well as clerical staff.

Then came the news that passengers who learned that their plane was on its way to the White House. The passengers got together and decided to force the plane down before it could accomplish its mission.

I worked the night shift. So did my sister. We rode together in order to economize. I had dropped her at her house that morning.

I was watching the news before going to bed when they broke in to say there had been an explosion of some sort at the Trade Center. Possibly an airplane had flown into it. Camera crews were immediately dispatched.

As we were watching billows of smoke pour out of the building we saw another plane flying toward the other building. We watched as it slammed into the building. There was immediate smoke and fire.

We still did not know about the other two planes.

I picked up my phone and called my sister. I asked if she had gone to bed. No. Was she watching the news. No, why.

I said, "Someone just declared war on us!"

Then we learned that a third plane had smashed into the Pentagon. Of course we had military in the field not in the Pentagon with their commanders. But the policy makers are in the building.

Then we learned of a fourth plane on the way to the White House. Everyone in the White House had been rushed to safety. The symbolism was immense.

The passengers on that plane contacted their loved ones to say good-bye. Then they rushed the cockpit and overpowered the pilots. They heroically crashed the plane knowing that they would surely die.

All those people in the planes died. Most of the people in the Trade Center died. First responders died. When the World Trade Center buildings collapsed many were injured. And many souls were devastated.

Now it is 25 years later. What was accomplished?

Gold Star

We often hear of Gold Star families. As far as I know that is a fairly new term.

My brother was killed in Vietnam in 1970. He would have been 21 years old if he had lived until his birthday later in the year... just a baby.

There have been so many young people lost to the vulgarism of war.   Wars are usually caused by leaders who want to feel power. Then at least one other leader has to retaliate.

Young people who are trained to fight are sent. Some will be killed, some will be injured, most will have their souls scarred by what they see.

We hear about the warriors. They should be remembered.

But what about their families, friends, and fellow fighters?

My mother was at home and alone when the officers came to tell her. To their credit they stayed with her until my father could get home from his job. Their child was dead.

I was going on vacation with my family. I had long felt that we would be called home for his funeral. I was with my sisters all day because I was leaving that night. 

Daddy met our car to tell us what happened. I rushed into the house to see if Mom needed a doctor or anything. My youngest sister and youngest brother were sitting on the couch in total shock looking lost. 

Mom was nowhere to be seen. She must have taken to her bed.

I took my two very small boys outside so they would not bother anyone. I sat on the steps alone until my husband arrived.

I told him what happened. He was in total disbelief. They were good friends. We took the boys into the house. 

Mom was on the couch between my brother and sister. She wanted to know why I had not said anything to her when I was inside before. I am telling you I did not see her. Maybe I just could not stand to see her cry.

She asked if I would call extended family members for her. Of course.

This tragedy was the only time I had ever seen Daddy cry. He was terribly proud. He was excruciatingly hurt. The officers were there to help us with whatever they could. 

We asked for a military funeral. It was done. They did all the planning. Some of my brother's friends would be pallbearers.

My brother had one friend who went and immediately tried to sign up for military service when my brother was drafted. He just knew he would be there to protect his friend.

He was rejected because he was severely overweight. Immediately he set about losing at least two hundred pounds. As soon as he did he enlisted with the whole purpose of going to Viet Nam to protect his friend.

He was still in Basic Training. The officers informed us that the Army did not release anyone from their training. But they would try. He was a pallbearer. It was a comfort to us.

These are some of so many examples. So many people were affected by my brother's death. My youngest brother was too young to fully comprehend what was happening.

About a year later there was a ceremony to present medals to several of the soldiers from the city who had lost their lives. In a photo taken for the newspaper we all looked like zombies. It is not something you get over.

Needless to say I hate war. There has to be a better way to deal with disagreements.

Skipping School

When I was a senior in high school I developed a rebellious stage. I had always been a very good girl. I was a follower of all the rules.

I still followed my parents' rules. I never rebelled too much.

A couple of friends and I began to skip school.

My grades were good so occasionally missing classes did not hurt my grades.

Often we just went to the house of the girl whose parents both worked. We made pizza and watched TV.

Sometimes we went downtown. Because we were afraid of getting caught we were careful where we went.

One of our favorite places was the courthouse. We reasoned that no one would find us there. We were right.

It was not an exciting place to be. Still we felt so daring.

One time as we walked out of the building I looked up at the bright sky One of the pigeons who lived somewhere up in the outer building did what birds do.

The gigantic sized bird poop hit me right between the eyes.

I have to tell you it felt like someone had thrown a chunk of cement. I had to go back inside to clean my face. How embarrassing.