the way we were

I was drinking coffee, around in the kitchen, listening to a nationally syndicated radio show, Bob & Tom - no doubt laughing. This was going to be a good day, because I had a rare-to-get lunch date with Cindy. Huh? What was that the lady on the radio said about a plane crash? So I turned on CNN. I had the feeling I better call Steve about this. He was working at a bank in Delaware, Ohio, and their work group had heard something about it. No one really understood, but said to keep them posted. Of course, I needed to call Mom. She was as work, too. They didnt know anything about it, either. Back on the phone with Steve, now in front of the bank TV, it seemed funny that they were showing the incident on tv, again..............oh, no. This wasnt "again" - it was another. I remember at that moment being SO afraid. I didnt even know why yet. I had this internal need for Steve to be home, but he was working today. Cindy and I even decided to keep our lunch plans. I wonder if she still remembers sitting at the table - and being torn between wanting to share time with a friend, and wanting to go watch a tv to see what was happening. We had just an hour lunch that day. When I came home, and saw Steve's car, I started tearing up. I couldnt get ahold of him soon enough. The office had actually sent them home early to be with their families. I remember it took me an hour to get through the busy signals at The American Red Cross. Wow, they didnt have any appt times for blood donation for two days. Our TV ran 24 hrs a day. Our normally demanding dogs, behaved quietly near us. A few days later, I clearly remember hanging sheets on our clothesline, hearing the first sound of a jet plane overhead. It made me cry.
Two weeks later, my mom and a friend, had plans to go to Florida. We mulled around for a while whether we should go, or not. We went- and there were 8 people on the whole plane! They just told us to sit anywhere. We had little American flags we waved at our windows when we taxied from the terminal. It struck me, that all 8 people sat within the front three rows. I guess we all needed to stick together at this time.

Life really is different now, isnt it? That day is used in my life as a "timeline/reference point" when I try to recall a memory - hmm, did something happen before or after.....

I hope today offers you peace and allows you reflection. Hug those you love, and be nicer to fellow mankind.