i remember

...going about my normal day with my 9 1/2-month old son when Seth called and told me to turn the tv on right away.

Hearing Seth tell me that the World Trade Center was hit by planes and looking at the tv and seeing only 1 building left standing, shocked me. I remember asking him, "Aren't there supposed to be 2 tall buildings?"

I remember Seth coming home from work and we spent the rest of the day in front of the tv. I was totally envious of Rhett because he was sweetly obliviuos to all of it.

I remember the next morning waking up and hoping that it was all a dream. I turned the tv on and saw that is was not.

I remember the fear that I felt, knowing that terrorism can strike anywhere and at anytime. I remember the sadness I felt because I knew that Rhett would grow up in a very different world than I did. I remember the pride I felt to be an American and proud that Americans were brought together by this tragedy. I remember feeling hope because of the many ordinary heroes that risked their lives for others.

Six years later, I feel fear because terrorism is still a very real part of this world. I feel sadness because America is no longer united. I feel pride because of the military that risks their lives every day for us.

And I still feel hope.

Hope for brighter days, hope for a terror-free world, hope for an end to a war, hope for a kinder place to raise children, hope for my sons and while I am at it, hope for world peace. Why not?

Have a kind, peaceful day.