MerrinDonahue.com

I remember the phone ringing.
I remember letting the answering machine pick up.
I remember trying to make sense of the words through a still sleepy haze.
I remember my dog nudging my head.
I remember getting up and going into the living room to turn on the TV.
I remember the shock.
I remember the sadness.
I remember the horror.
I remember being scared.
I remember panicking, and worrying about family and friends.
I remember the fear of not knowing what would come next.
I remember calling my husband.
I remember feeling ashamed that I was glad that my loved ones were safe.
I remember going to see my mother.
I remember driving back home.
I remember the lack of airplanes taking off from the Naval Reserve Base.
I remember my husband coming home early.
I remember holding him and never wanting to let go.
I remember huddling in front of the televison, unable to tear myself away.
I remember crying.
I remember not ever wanting to feel that way again.

Most of all, I remember Kevin going outside to fly the American flag. I remember vowing to sing the national anthem at the top of my lungs whenever it is played, instead of quietly humming along or mouthing the words in trepidation and faint embarrasment that someone would overhear and criticize my lack of vocal talent. And I remember feeling superior to those who have tried, and will continue to try, to defeat us.
God Bless America.
More importantly, God Bless those who gave their lives to save us that day.
Please say a prayer for our troops abroad today. Stop by your local firehouse or police station to say thank you. The world is a different place than it was a short two years ago, but the heroes who fight for us every day are the same.
As for today, I will remember feeling strong. I will remember to say hello to my neighbors. I will remember my personal vow not to turn September 11 into an excuse for a barbecue or a long weekend, like so many other holidays. And I will never, ever take the people who love me for granted.