Hudson and John Henry,
By the time you are both grown up, September 11th, I fear, will be a part of this country's distant past. Something you study at school, as Pearl Harbor is for me. Something that won't directly affect you. You both need to know that this day changed my life and this country's life forever. It was horrible, terrifying and traumatizing for all Americans. A day we will never forget. A day we were all ONE. No one was black, white, Asian, Latino, Republican or Democrat. We were all Americans. I remember exactly where I was. I was living in Scottsdale, Arizona and it was very early in the morning with the time change. I remember the phone ringing and ringing. I didn't answer it the first few times because it was early. I finally answered and it was Aunt Stephie. She frantically asked if I was watching the news. I couldn't believe my eyes when I turned the television on. I saw the beloved twin towers crumbling and I thought I was watching a Hollywood movie, not a real event. My heart fell. I couldn't believe my own eyes. I drove all the way to Oklahoma City the next day- 16 hours. I just wanted to see my Mamma and my family. That's how frightened and upset I was - we all were. We were fragile and shocked and we all felt vulnerable to these evil people who had no names or faces- just Al Qaeda- that's all we kept hearing. We were all scrambling - trying to figure out how strongest nation in the world got attacked. We were horrified and we all wanted them to pay for what they had done to us, to our dear country, and to our fellow Americans. Why did this unnecessary evil happen?
One of my very best friends, Amy Rice, lost her brother, David, on 9/11. He was in one of the twin towers. Amy and I grew up together in OKC. We went to the same grade school and high school. Her family was absolutely torn up. A nightmare for any family. When I think of David in the tower, I lose my breath. 9/11 is a very difficult day for Amy every year. This year, I went to the city to see her and have dinner with her, which I know was special for her and it was beyond special for me. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else that night. We had a drink in front of David's tree. Last year, Amy and her family pulled a lot strings to have this tree planted for David in the West Village across the street from Amy's apartment. Amy just ordered a plaque for it. She says that she walks by it everyday and it gives her a sense of peace. I saw the tree for the first time and the plaque and tears came to my eyes. God bless your soul David Rice.
Cheers to you David...
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