gratitude

This is difficult day. We all know this is the 6 year anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers and Pentagon. The image of the 2nd plane plowing into the build is etched into memory. That picture is still hard to wrap my mind around. The husband of one of my co-workers is still silent about working search and recovery at Ground Zero. He is a jovial and friendly guy, but is not able to express in any form the devastation he saw. He doesn't like the smell of concrete to this day. Another co-worker's husband was also with Task Force One for the trip. His life has also been forever changed by this event. How I would deal with those memories? I am so thankful for their bravery and giving. I think back to my best friend, with a government job then, who had to stand at arms ready to defend her workplace against possible attack. I was the privileged one who was able to speak with her first that day. We were actually on the phone when the second Tower was hit. All the phone circuits were busy with others like us. Her parents were unable to get through for a long time. Worried that she might have been somewhere in DC injured or worse. And I was the one who got through to share the shock and fear and adrenaline with her.

I also recall the fear of Shane being called to serve 7 months before our wedding. He was in training, and I was calling allllllllll sorts of people at his job trying to get through. I was new to the military scene and had no idea if he would have time to let me know he was leaving. He didn't leave, but I was awakened to the fact that I could lose my almost husband to service and possibly worse at anytime. This wasn't just playing GI Joe. Something I strive to come to terms with as I think about this deployment.

So what does all this muck have to do with gratitude, you ask? I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all those who give their all to keep me safe on a daily basis. The many medics and firefighters I have worked with over the years. My friend Chris who works as a police officer. My friend Jennifer who bravely tried to protect our country from harm. To Tom (and his dog Tuff) for trying to make families whole and bring closure by giving back the remains of the victims. To Eric for accepting the call to duty. Thank you all.

And finally to Shane for being ready and willing to answer the call to defend when it comes. He puts a lot into his work and has sacrificed for our protection. He should be on another continent by now. Literally half a world away from his small, but growing family: Allison who finally told me she loved me tonight and then asked for ice cream. Emily who belly laughs and grins as wide as she can. Bandit who just wants to lick his feet and play. I just want to hold him and never let him go. Shane we love and thank you.