I awoke this morning to hear the words “Do you remember?” on the radio. I pondered those words and thought, “Yes, I remember – we all remember”. My mind replayed the moments of that day, September 11, 2001. I was in a meeting at work when someone interrupted to say a plane had flown into the Twin Towers. Our meeting continued and then we heard the other tower had been hit. This couldn’t be an accident. How could this happen? Why would this happen? The day continued with updates everywhere I turned. It was on the internet, the radio, television. People were talking. People were shocked. People were afraid. That evening I found comfort in a prayer vigil at church with Mike Sawyer and Zach Sawyer. We were family, united in our church home. My world was safe, temporarily unscathed from the outside chaos. Church family shared and prayed. We were together, sheltered by the loving arms of God. My perspective of “safe” was forever changed. The images of those at the Twin Towers that day are forever etched in my mind. The sheer terror on their faces looking at me from the television shakes me even today. September 11, 2001 was the day that many felt the full meaning of being a true American. Our lives, our freedoms were being challenged. We reached out as a people. We shared, we prayed, we comforted others. We were united across the country. My son, Sgt Marcus Mathes, was just one that was stirred and later felt the call to duty. He shared his thoughts, his longing to help, to protect, in many conversations. I especially remember the last time he asked, “Mom, what would you think if I joined the Army?” The next few years he would excitedly call to tell me “someone thanked me”. He would share stories of how “we” as a united country were making a difference in lives. He loved military life, he loved our country. He fought to keep our country safe and he fought for our rights. Then one day, his fight was over. He had served our country well. He made the ultimate sacrifice like so many before him and so many since; military, firefighters, policemen, EMT’s, first responders from all walks of life. Have you thanked them for sacrificing for you, for your country? I don’t ask, “Do you remember?” I challenge you to search your soul / your life / your heart and ask, “Am I willing to stand for what I believe in and make a difference? Am I willing to do my best to keep my loved ones safe from harm, to protect my family, my friends, and my country? Am I willing to do what I can to keep this country united? How are you different than you were on September 11, 2001?” I challenge you to take a stand and make a difference. I challenge you to thank those that do what you can’t do. This is only a few of the ones I know have made a difference - and I thank you! Marcus Mathes - Mark Stone - Bryan Harvey - Amandae Melton - Tai Velasco - Zach Sawyer - Jason Toya Stone - James Massey - Mike Lowd - Please feel free to share this post and tag someone you know that has made a difference.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:11:31 +0000
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