The Lesson

Seventeen years ago, I said my prayers and went to bed. When I got up in the morning, like everyone else, I brewed my coffee then went to make the bed.

My phone rang.  It was my brother.  "Are you watching TV?"

From that moment on, I was glued to the television,  as was most of the world. 

I saw the second plane hit, I watched the pentagon aftermath, I listened with much concern about Flight 93, the plane that would eventually be taken down in Somerset PA by brave passengers, because that is where my family lives.  I saw people jump from buildings to their death because they could not stand the fire.  I watched it all in disbelief, as did most of you  and I wondered what was still to come. 

And like you, my life was changed that day.

I realized that the world I thought was safe and secure, was not, and that anything could happen to anyone at any time.

I also discovered that the most important things in life were the people, not things.  If everything disappears, what do you really miss?  Your money?  Your jewelry? Your car? Your house?  No, you miss the people.

I spent a lot of time on the phone that day, checking in with Pennsylvania kinfolk, talking to friends and family near and far, telling them I loved them.

Then the years pass and we forget.  We forget how we felt that day and in the days right after.  Once the shock wore off, we forgot until 9-11 again rolled around.

I do not know if there is still any lesson to learn from that horrific day, but I think the most profound one we learned right then.  Live each day like it is your last and tell everyone you love them whenever you have the chance.

~Rhonda