We have spent a lot of time in the last couple of days, watching the news shows that are replaying all the heartrending events of 10 years ago.  I cry, it’s too sad….although it is very important to remember and honor the lives of victims, families, and friends.

The newspaper this morning held personal stories from people greatly affected by 9/11.  A few things sang out from the stories; love of family  “I felt helpless as I asked if there was anything I could do.  Hug your daughter, she said.  I did.”  ~U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd (his daughter Grace was born 2 days after the attack).

prayer:  “I went to the restaurant across the street and watched the television in disbelief as another plane crashed into the second tower.  I began to pray.”  ~G.S. Iloani, president and CEO of a company in CT

and the way tragic events remind us of the value of living life with ‘seeing’ eyes, the importance of appreciating and acknowledging those sweet moments in life that are often overlooked:

“There are no words to describe the pain of loss for thousands of friends and family left behind.  Within the last ten years, life has continued.  Other family members have passed, babies have been born and we all continue to have happy and sad times.  While the deep sense of loss will always linger, I see the joyful moments in my life with greater clarity.” (from a woman whose sister died in one of the plane crashes)

My family did not have to say goodbye to loved ones because of the attacks 10 years ago.  My heart aches for those people, and for anyone who has suffered great loss.  I am thankful for the lessons learned from this morning’s reading of the newspaper, that remind me once again of the important things in life. 

Today I will hold my husband and children close.

Today I will take the time to pray to the One Who cares for me more than I can imagine.

Today I will thank Him for His many, abundant blessings that are always there.

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”—Isaiah 61:3