Patriot Day

We all have a story about "where we were" on 9/11 10 years ago. I was in one of the tallest skyscrapers at the front of the Chicago skyline, and after the 2nd plane hit the towers in New York panic started to rise at my office. The el train was packed as the majority of downtown Chicago headed home. The train was eerily silent and sad. Nobody spoke. That night, Brad and I took a walk and noted the silence of the skies. Our apartment was a block off Lawrence Avenue, which runs directly east from O'Hare Airport. We would usually watch the planes in quantity overhead, lining up for their descent. That night, nothing but stars.

Today, our American Flag hangs where I can see if from our front window. I sit here on the computer watching it wave in the gentle wind, and reflect on the impact 9/11 had on me and on our country. I will never forget standing amidst thousands of fellow Chicagoan's singing "America the Beautiful" together in memorial of those that lost their lives. The sound of all those voices and the sight of our flag everywhere was powerful and awakened a patriotism I didn't realize I had. From sea to shining sea...

In the wake of such tragedy, life goes on. But we will never forget.

This afternoon, Rowan and I made her flower garland headband. She cut all the ribbons and decided exactly what the flower arrangement should look like.

I would have added some greenery in there, but she was adamant in having just the little blooms. I reminded her that I had never made something like this before and would do my best!  It turned out pretty dang cute, I must say. She LOVES it, and plans to wear it when we go out to dinner tonight. Awww.

Any minute now, Brad's parents will arrive for the evening, on their way home from other travels. We will have dinner together and go see our friend's band play. We will celebrate family and togetherness and patriotism tonight, and pray that our daughters can grow up in a world that is ever-striving for peace.