Monkey See, Monkey Do & Remembering 9/11

I never ceased to be amazed at how quickly young children are able to see and do something new. Nothing beats watching a toddler as they experience life for the first time- How they can spend 30 minutes playing with Velcro and not tire of the sound and experience, or putting a blanket over their head and giggle while pulling it back off.

That was what I got to enjoy as a dad tonight as I watched my 1 year playing on the floor. After a while I picked him up and help him. He started grunting at me. I grunted back. He would then do it too, and then me. It was funny. He went from a giggle to a full on laugh. Oh how wonderful it would be if we could all remember, even for just a moment each day, or better yet, work to experience that innocent and youthful look on life. I think it would go a long way in helping relieve stress, help create a sense of fulfillment, and set us up for peace within. Try it...I dare you!

On a separate note, I can't believe that it has been 7 years since 9/11 took place. I still clearly remember that day. I was in my first year of teaching and was just heading to school. I was listening to the radio and the hosts were talking about a horrible accident that had taken place in New York and the twin towers. I really thought it was simply a joke, as radio stations are really good at doing that. I arrived at the school and found several teachers watching a tv and talking together. I asked and they explained that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. We watched in horror as injured were brought out of the building. Then not only that, we watched as the second plane crashed into the second tower. I was sick to my stomach. That was the point where it was decided this had to be a planned attack. Two wasn't an accident. Then came the information about the pentagon and the other planes. I was scared and worried. I called my wife and had her watch. I had to teach that entire day. Our principal said we were NOT to discuss this at ALL with the student. This upset us as teachers. The students KNEW something was wrong, but they didn't know what. It was very unsettling. In fact, several parents came to school and took their children home so they could be together. No one knew just how big this was going to end up being. I wished that I could go home with my wife and son. Lunch was silent and depressing. We watched as the towers collapsed to the ground sending a bilious cloud through the city. The rest of the day was a total blur. I remember trying to teach computers (I was teaching computers in a school of 1200 students- talk about overwhelming as a first year teacher) but wanting to know what was happening to my fellow Americans in New York City. When school was over I headed home quickly and held my wife as we watched for the evening. Hearing the reports of the missing, sick, and injured. The men and women who lost their lives working to save their fellowmen. It was horrible. I remember praying the night with my wife that the Lord would, in his wisdom and mercy, comfort those were injured and comfort and be with the families of those who lost loved ones. It was days before the school felt right, and weeks before life even settled back into a "routine". I hope we never have to face a crisis like that again as a nation. I think the one thing it did do for our country in unify us. People put aside differences and worked together for fellow citizens. May God bless our nation and those who lead us.

Later...