Lord, take me where you want me to go;
Let me meet who you want me to meet;
Tell me what you want me to say; and
Keep me out of your way.

– Fr. Mychal Judge, FDNY (died 9/11/01)

 

This morning, while thousands of names were solemnly read, one by one, at Ground Zero, two babies were baptized in our church.

This evening I'll help celebrate a dear friend's birthday with Mexican food and margaritas.

In between, I've been remembering…

Ten years ago I was one of millions watching in disbelief as our country came under attack. Do you remember that feeling as we pulled together in the days that followed? We changed the way we did things, for sure, but we kept on living our lives, refusing to let our attackers control us with fear. 

Living each day, deliberately and free. Remembering but moving forward, only leaving room for light and happiness and love. That's our victory.

 

"…Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could…"

~President George W. Bush


 


 

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10 responses to “Each Day”

  1. Elisa T. Avatar
    Elisa T.

    Barb – I enjoy reading your entries, but this one was especially touching. Hugs to you today!

    Like

  2. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm glad you thought so, Elisa! Thanks for letting me know. And I hope you had a beautiful birthday!!

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  3. Shrinky Avatar

    A touching tribute, and so very true – the horror of that day will never be forgotten, but even out of evil some good arose, the common outpouring of compassion, grief, determination and charity lent hope to us all. The human spirit is an amazing thing.

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    It truly is – we forget it too easily! I wish it didn't take something like this to pull us together.

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  5. Suldog Avatar

    Indeed. The more freedom we express, and the more love we express in conjunction with it, the lesser the victory for those who perpetrated the evil.

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I just wish we were all better at it!

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  7. Gail Avatar

    This is such a beautiful, poignant post! I love how you began it with Fr. Judge’s prayer.

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  8. Carmie of the Single Nester Avatar

    Love Fr. Judge’s prayer. As a Franciscan Friar, he has a connection with the college I went to so this is extra special.

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, Gail. I didn't intend to write one that day, but when I saw that quite, I felt I needed to, and then I remembered Bush's quote that I had seen in our bank lobby, and next thing you know, I'm typing. You know how that blogging thing works!

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I loved it, too. I hadn't planned to post anything but when I saw it, I had to.

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