It was 5:15 a.m. and the alarm had me rising at my usual time, but with more things to do this special morning. I got dressed quickly and went down stairs to finish the birthday decorations started the night before after my daughter went to sleep. I grabbed a balloon to blow up and hit the remote. As the screen materialized, one of the Twin Towers had black billowing smoke pouring from it. At first, I thought a fire had broken out in the building. The announcer stated that a plane had hit the tower.
My first thought was how unusual and tragic. As I watched and blew up another balloon the fiery flash hit the second tower. The announcer spoke of a second 737 hitting the building and all at once, it hit me. Decorating was held up as my wife and I hung on every picture before us. Knowing now that this was planned and that other planes were believed to be in the air only added to the fear to the moment. Watching the death and destruction raining down on those below sent shivers up my spine.
Then it hit us that today was our daughter’s 11th birthday and the planned celebrations now seemed clouded by recent events. Would her birthday be spoiled by this event?
September 11, 1990 will be our day, when our wonderful daughter blessed our lives and changed us forever. To everyone that shares this day with celebration, be it birthday, wedding anniversary, or special moment, enjoy life because life is meant for living. As we reflect on last year, we will all share a common sorrow and pain just as so many generations before have faced in our nation’s history when it’s people and military comes in harms way. We only hope and pray that we can all find healing, peace in our hearts, and may our military men and women come safely home. Happy birthday, daughter!
Edmonds
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
