The children were in their carseats in the back seat, chatting away. My daughter and I were talking of plans for the rest of the week. It was a happy time. She parked the car in front of the church to take my grandson in for his morning of preschool. I remained in the car with my granddaughter.
I watched my daughter’s exchange with another young mother who was coming out of the church building. My daughter greeted the young woman with smiles and laughter and, then, I watched as her expression changed to a look of disbelief and horror. I couldn’t imagine what had happened. As she got into the car she had tears in her eyes and told me what had happened. Neither of us could believe it. We hurried home and immediately turned on the televison. We watched as one unbelievable image after the other played across the screen. Just as the rest of the country was, we were stunned, unable to truly grasp the magnitude of what we were seeing.
During the nineties, I held the position of physician coordinator for a 350 bed hospital in the Midwest. I had a fancier title than that for a job I loved. At that time, there were about 150 physicians on staff…doctors from all over the world. I set up educational events for them. I met with their office staff and developed an office managers council. I traveled through eight surrounding counties and met the physicians serving there. I provided the necessary OSHA training for them to meet federal regulations. I recruited other physicians as needed. I planned special events for the physicians and their families. Through it all, I came to know the doctors and some of their families. Doctors from all over the world. So many different “religions” were represented.
As a strong Christian and believer, I am tolerant and respectful of others. I did my best to let the physicians I worked with see my faith in action. During Ramadan, I would plan the special training events with meals after sundown. One particular Ramadan, I was invited to the special service on the last day and then to the celebration breakfast at one of the doctor’s homes. A fellow staff member and I sat in the back of the service and observed quietly, our simple head scarves in place. I tried the different, but delicious, foods at the breakfast. They were pleased we had come and thanked us many times.
I TRY to reconcile this only personal knowledge of Muslims that I have with the terrorists – the madmen – who maliciously, in pure dark hatred, sought to destroy America. I cannot. I cannot understand jihad. I cannot, and I will not tolerate the horrendous practice of Muslim Sharia Law. I cannot begin to comprehend the raw hatred that propels ISIS in their desire to extinguish Christians and other non-Muslims from the face of the earth. I may be a “non-political” grandmother of nine, but this American will fight this darkness with all that is within me!
It has been 13 years now since so many innocent people lost their lives, but we have not forgotten. We will not forget. We will not forget those who had plans that day with their lives stretching out ahead of them – just as you and I do. Those who were headed home after a long trip and missing their families. Those who left loved ones behind while on a business trip. The children who will never grow up. The pilots and flight attendants working that day – all leaving beloved families and friends behind. Today, we remember the heroes who fought to save those in the burning structures and lost their lives in the process as well. We are thankful for the heroes who made it out alive, saving others with their brave actions. Our hearts are heavy for the families and friends who feel the grief anew each and every September 11th. Praying today for those who are hurting…and for a measure of peace with each passing day that only God can give.
Part of this post was originally posted in my blog, My Southern Heart, in 2010.