9/11

It has been 10 years since the world changed.  Today, I was watching a 9/11 special and there was a line that struck me.  The narrator said, I think we have forgotten about those who have to go on without those that were lost.  I agree with the statement completely but I also think in some ways we forget about those who sacrifice their life every day since then. 

I remember asking my husband that night 10 years ago what he thought how things were going to change.  At that moment, I don't think either one of us thought that we would still be fighting a war that in some ways has no end.  In the beginning, I had a hope that this fight would be similar to the invasion in 91.  After a few years, I began to accept the idea that this is what our life is going to be.  We will never go back to a "normal" life.  I can't tell you how things would have been if it hadn't happened.  I do know that it has taken him away from us more times than I can count.  As much as I think we have had it rough, I know it has hit others harder.  It has made me appreciate every day we have with him. 

A couple weeks ago, our oldest asked if I could explain to her what happened on 9/11 when she was ready.  Honestly, I have put off telling her.  She asked and I need to answer her.  But I don't know what all to tell her.  I don't want to scare her but how do I help her understand?  In years to come, she will put the pieces together of why her dad is gone.  The meantime, I want to keep them shielded as much as possible.  They need to be kids.  They don't need to worry about what has happened or things they can't control.  I don't want her to worry every time he leaves or make her fearful of everyday things. I pray I have the wisdom to answer her in an appropriate way and she comes to us for her questions in the future. 

10 years later, I still pray that he comes home safely.  I will never forget what happened that day, where I was, what happened in the days that followed, or how our lives have changed since.