I Will Remember You

September 11, 2001. A day in history we will never forget. Ask anyone over the age of 13 and I’m certain they will be able to recall every detail of where they were, what they were doing and who they were with.

When I heard, my friend Carol and I were meeting for breakfast at IHOP. We immediately left and drove to my place where we watched in utter disbelief and horror the atrocities that were happening before our very eyes. At the time, we both worked for a major airline and had no idea if the planes were ours or not. I remember so many emotions – shock, numbness, fear and panic. The same emotions I’m much more familiar with today, which are those anyone walking through grief would feel. I’ll forever be thankful I was able to sit there with my dear friend and not be alone during that time. Our hearts and prayers joined together for the families who were affected.

I have often thought about the heroism of Todd Beamer and the others on Flight 93. In the days following my thoughts often drifted to Lisa Beamer, Todd’s wife and their young family. Yes, her husband died a hero, but I can better understand how she may have felt that day after losing a loved one so young and unexpectedly. She handled herself with such grace under pressure and told of her faith in God, which is how she was able to stand before everyone that day.

Today we will remember each of the heroes and in honor of Todd Beamer, I hope that you will reach out and touch someone’s life. Let them know how much you love them, honor them, and support them. A short text, even if only 2 or 3 words, may make all the difference in a person’s life today. In the words of Todd Beamer, “Let’s Roll.”