There are moments in history which will always be stuck in my mind.

Moments like when Chris gave me my engagement ring.

When I said I do in the chapel at Ohio Northern University.

When each of my boys was born.

When I got the call about about my dad’s death.

When the Challenger crashed.

And today I remember what I was doing and where I was when the Twin Towers in NYC were hit by airplanes on September 11, 2001.

I, like many others, was at work.  I was processing orders for our mat board business and Bubba, one of the guys that worked for us,  was there as well.  I heard it on the news on the radio first and we stared at each other in disbelief.

As we listened to the reports we were in shock.   I went out to our van and started it up so we could watch the tv in the van and see the live reports.  I will never forget.

I also tried to get hold of both of the boys at school .  I did not know what was happening.  I did not know if they were in any danger but I just needed to talk to them.  I think everyone felt that way. Chris called and I felt better that I had at least been able to talk to him as well.

How can it be so along ago that this happened and yet the memory is so vivid in my mind of that day?   2001 is a long time ago.  But yes – I do remember it as if it were yesterday.  I think there will always be days like this that are embedded in our memories.

So today I remember.  I grieve along with those who lost loved ones. I pray for those whose lives were forever changed as a result of these attacks. I pray for a safer world.  I pray for all of the refugees in the world who are trying to escape horrible conditions in countries that no longer are the countries that they once were.

I still have hope.  I really do.  I know that our world is not perfect but I also know that one small action can turn the tide.  Start small.  Maybe just a smile.  Be kind.  Be patient.  Be forgiving.  Be loving.

Change will come.  Persevere.  Be the ripple.