Blessed and Loved...Indeed!

So, yesterday was mine and my son, Andrew's birthdays. Only yesterday by an hour or so...but yesterday official. 
It was a blessed day, but a busy day. On my Facebook account, I had so many posts from well wishers that I can't even begin to explain in words how blessed I feel. My heart is just so full. So many lovely comments and it just makes one feel so loved! 
People really do need to feel love. Have you thought about that before in detail? Maybe it isn't a big deal to some, but as human beings, it is nature to need and feel love. We were created for such. The greatest commandment is to love. When we marry...hopefully, it's for love. We exchange these words to others...day in, day out. "I love you".  Love is an emotion and a feeling that most everyone needs and desires. 
What happens when it isn't felt? What happens when people go without that love. When they go without such blessings in their life?  That attention from others? Have you seen people who sit in corners, by themselves? Have you wondered why they are alone? 
Often times it's not for the reason you think.  Perhaps if we take a step out of our own comfort zones and just simply say hello...we might bridge a gap and make a day. A simple hello can go so far in the life of one who is lonely and afraid. 
I am not one to stray away from a person who is sitting there alone. I will walk up to a perfect stranger and strike up conversation. Now this isn't for everyone, of course, but I guess we all can't be Will Rogers, now can we? But, is it really that hard to just say, "hello"? I don't think so. Are you really that busy? Again...I don't think so! 
When is it that we became so self-involved that others around us disappear? 
If you are a Christian, then you would see these people as Jesus did. There would be nothing that would stop you from going right up to them and striking up conversation. Oh, I know what some are saying...."but you don't know what they may be carrying or the trouble they may be in". Sure...I'll give you that, but Jesus said, " Go" into all the World and make disciples...."GO" That word is pretty specific in and of itself. Simple...just go. Nothing too hard about that now is there? 


I think if we all tried to get beyond ourselves and just Go, LOVE and tell....man! What kind of world would we be a part of?    Super! 


Thanks for reading!

A New Year

Well, A new school year is about to begin. I will be teaching music at our Learning Center one day a week at church, AJ will be a student there three days a week  and Tate has decided to go back to public school. We tried to get him into a different school district than the one we are in, but this district would not release him to the other one...so here we are. The district we live in is not one of the best schools, but we are remaining optimistic and encouraging Tate to be the light within that school. 


I'm NOT ready for the new year. I like Summer vacation....I quite honestly wish it would never end. I enjoy having my children around. Even if we never do anything, it's still nice spending that time with them. Now I'll admit, that some days get boring, but all in all I do enjoy my time with my family. I don't like to push my kids out the door. They grow up far too fast. Before you know it, they are grown up and out of the house. They will be having families of their own. So yes...I'm one of those that wishes Summer lasted forever. 


Andrew is getting ready to turn 20 in a couple of days. He and I share a birthday. That has always been so special to me. He is still in the home too. I'm good with that as well! He's no trouble and he helps so much with AJ. I guess you would say that I'm just not the norm. Most parents are anxiously awaiting the day that their kids move out. Not me. I have two older children that I missed out on a LOT of time and I will never get that back. I cherish each and every moment I can get. I would say to you....do that! Cherish each and every moment with your family. Your children. We are not promised one day on this earth and we just simply need to embrace every day we have been given. 


Life is a gift....
Embrace it!
Cherish it!


Take time in this new school year to enjoy every moment!


Thanks for reading. 

In Time.....

It seems of late that the bottom keeps falling out. It's like that "Murphy's Law" of life stuff day after day. You remember the one, "what can go wrong, will go wrong" 


Trials...they only make you strong, right? They give us a testimony to share with others about how God has equipped us to make it through. I don't doubt at all that He is there and with each mess, with every single issue that arises, I know that He will take care of it! I try to stay focused on that truth. Does it mean that I don't get frustrated or show my irritations openly? Of course not...I am, after-all, human. I have never pretended to "have it all together". 


One of my life verses has always been and shall remain Philippians 4:12-13. I prefer it in The Message translation. 


"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."


It really does help to keep that perspective when dealing with troubles.  Be content...because, In time...it all works out. God always works out the details of our lives. He has that plan. We don't. I would like to think that I could muster up a master plan to make it all succeed for the best...but there is truly only one Master Planner. 


We would all do good to keep our eyes focused heavenward and continue to let Him do His job. He has far more experience than any of us anyway. I know, that I know, that I know.....In time. 


Thanks for reading

The Sigh

Read a great Max Lucado post today. I subscribe to his works, and this one really hit home. It was titled, "When God Sighed". He references Mark 7: 31-35. 

Mark 7:31-35 (New International Version)

The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man

 ³¹Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.^[a] 32There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. ³³After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. ³⁴He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!" ). ³⁵At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.


Max talked about the word, "sigh" and it's meaning. Dictionary.com says: 1. to let out one's breath audibly, as from sorrow, weariness or relief. 2. to yearn or long; pine
Now, I am sure that the #1 meaning was the sound that was made, but Max stated that when Jesus let out that deep sigh, prior to saying "Ephphatha!", that the sigh described is one of a hybrid of frustration and sadness. It lies somewhere between a fit of anger and burst of tears. 
This is where I am. These are my sighs of late and when I post my frustrations and my sighs, this is the best way to describe what they are. Sometimes I feel burdened to speak out, yet because of my "position", I need to hold tight, the reins of my mouth and attitude.  Perhaps, I feel a bit better knowing that Jesus let go of such feelings as well. After-all, he was known to turn over a table or two in the temple. (see Matthew 21) It's all about a righteous anger.  I guess I struggle with just leaving it with a deep sigh. (I tend to open my mouth) My heavy heart on many issues speaks out and my flesh wants to bite back. I need to practice looking into the heavens and do more deep sighing. 
I'd probably stay out of trouble that way. :) 
So, when you see me "sighing"....you might understand a little bit more. No, I'm not always sighing that deeply, but there is a point to them.  


Thanks for reading :)

It's Hot!

That it is!

But you will NOT hear me complain. Here in Oklahoma, our weather seems to be a bit on the Bi-polar side of life. I seriously think at times, it needs some medication. Don't quite know what that would be, but it's truly been a wild weather year for us so far. Currently we are experiencing some 92 degree weather with a heat index of 103. Now...I know that isn't extreme temps for some folks out there. But when you throw in that crazy humidity that we Okies seem to get, it's pretty sticky, miserable.

I live in a two story, brick home. Built in 1937, this home doesn't offer much on efficiency. Meaning, there are a lot of drafts, and insulation issues. It also has a pretty old a/c unit that we haven't run for the last 3 yrs now. We have window units in 4 rooms of the house. It keeps us cool enough, but probably not as efficient as should be. Times are tough and right now, that's what we do. God will provide in time for a new unit.

I think to myself about the heat and just how bearable is it? I mean...true, it's hot and I am thankful that I don't work out in it nor does my husband or children, unless you count my son-in-love being a police officer and having to wear a hot uniform in this mess...however...when you think about future and eternity and what the Bible talks of where will you go when you die...I think this is pretty darn cool, comparatively speaking.

I'm thankful that I know my future. I'm thankful that I know the answer to the question, "when I die, where will I go?" My future is secure in an eternal home with my Savior, Jesus Christ. The alternative would be a place where, if I couldn't bare the heat now.....well, don't even want to think about it.

When you die, where will you go? How's your weather forecast shaping up?

Thanks for reading,

Moving on!

Well, I think it is time for a new post....the other one was taking a turn in the wrong direction because a poster would not stay on subject! I hate that...

So, instead, I will talk about one of the things that bring great joy in my life. My grandbaby!

Her name is Madison and she is her GiGi's precious girl! Well, I know I can't lay complete claim to her, but she does bring such joy into my life. I try to spend as much time with her as I can and come October...she will become a new BIG Sister! She is so very excited about this and I for one can hardly wait either. She will welcome a baby brother into her family. :)

Her Uncle AJ also thinks she is pretty darn special as well. HE loves it when Madison gets to come over and play or we get to go there. There was a time when they didn't get along so well...but now they are the best of friends. (except when the other one has a toy they want) AJ calls her His Madison. He will often say, "Is my Madison going to come and see me?" It's just so stinking cute...can't tell ya!

Well, that's my thoughts about Madison. My joy and one of the lights in my life that keeps me sane! Her momma is the other claim to my sanity! Seeing as how I live and swim in a sea of testosterone on a daily basis....including the male dogs that I have.....sheesh! Oh well.....COUNT IT ALL AS JOY! And one part of that joy is a little girl named Madison! :)

Thanks for reading

Taking a Break

Well,

After a lot of prayer and some Godly guidance, I have decided to take a break from the social network scene for awhile. It's a place I spend a lot of time...wait, let me reiterate that....A LOT OF TIME! LOL, yeah, I do spend quite of bit of my time on the social page of places such as Facebook. Well, that is pretty much the only place I spend it. It has become a leach of sorts in my life. Now don't get me wrong...it can be a good place, and I have been there for a great amount of time. First signed on back in 2007.

I mainly have used FB as a ministry tool, however that is not the only reason I am there. But it has always remained the main reason.

I am an encourager. It's one of my spiritual gifts. Of late, my tank has become pretty dry. When you are gifted spiritually as I am...giving, exhortation and mercy...you give a lot of yourself, but it often goes that you don't get much of that back. This has been happening to me. I'm not being refueled. It's very necessary to refuel. When the tank is low, things suffer in ones life. Oppression sets in. This is what has come to my attention, which is the reason I am taking the break.

So, if you don't see me, you will know why. Of course, I have been off (with the exception of wishing folks happy b-days) for a couple days shy of a week now and nobody seems to have noticed yet, but that's okay. I pretty much expected that one too. :) I'm not going to deactivate like I have done before, just not going to spend hours a day sitting in front of my computer at the beck and call of Facebook. I can't. I have far too many other things that God needs me to do right now. But don't worry...in the famous words of the ever popular Tom Bodett (Motel 6 fame) I'll keep the light on for ya!

I'm always shining for Jesus....it's what I'm called to do.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Val

Can't Sleep

Have you ever wondered why you can't sleep?

Do you ever just sit and tilt your head to one side and think...I'm so stinking tired, but yet I can't sleep...why?

What is keeping me up? What has me troubled? Why will my brain not shut down so I can drift off into that land of slumber like a normal person...that stuff of babies?

It's after 2:00 in the morning and I sit at my computer, awaiting my dogs to come back inside so I can shut the back door. Naturally, I go and check my Facebook. Not much going on there speak of. Normal chatter. So I thought...I'll write a blog. I mean, why not? Nobody will read it anyway, so I might as well just sit here and type away about my thoughts on my lack of sleep. :) But, there isn't much else you can say, other than...I CAN'T SLEEP!

So with that said, I guess I will just close this post with a prayer.

Dear Lord,

Please allow my brain to shut off! Please allow me to be able to go back to my bed, close my eyes and drift off into a peaceful and wonderful sleep. Help me to wake rested and ready to meet the new day with a renewed spirit. I await whatever you have for me next.

I love you Jesus.....Amen

Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:16 says: "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV) The Message translation says it this way beginning in verse 14:

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven"

Did you catch that last part? You will prompt people to open up with God. By you shining your light...you can show a lost world a ray of hope. But you can't do it by going out and living a life full of garbage.

This post has been prompted by me seeing a lot of friends or acquaintances who continually post things out on the internet about the happenings in their life. What their doing, watching, listening to. Have you heard the statement, garbage in, garbage out? Well, it's true. What you choose to fill yourself full of is what eventually comes out. It works very much the same as what you are is what you eat. The stuff we put into our bodies is in direct correlation to our overall health and well-being. You put nothing but junk in your body...your body is going to be junk. It will emit junk. If we insist on placing lemonade in our engine, instead of oil, we will destroy it. We need to take care of our bodies. Just the same, what we put into our mind and our heart via music, movies etc should be closely monitored.

God is not an evil God. He is not vengeful, but He has given us a mechanic's manual for our well being. He very plainly tells us things to avoid. How many Christians are avoiding those very things? Are we being drawn into these poisons that seem to be cleverly disguised as mere fiction, love stories or here is a good one, "it's just a good movie!" Poison is poison. A little recreational poison can be as lethal as a lot of poison from the hand of an assassin. I for one am tired of seeing my fellow brother's and sister's being drawn away into an obsession with things that are not of God. As cliche' as it may have sounded...what ever happened to "What Would Jesus Do?" When did we, as Christians, stop checking ourselves on that? As parents, why aren't we watching more closely to the things that our children are listening to or watching? I too am at fault here...I need to be reprimanded. Take this post from a movie review...just one section on language content. I won't name the movie, but it is a very popular movie out there than many Christian kids have been watching and adults too.

"Over 70 f-words, including a handful used in sexual contexts and several combined with "mother." About two dozen s-words. And close to a dozen combined misuses of God’s and Jesus’ names. (God’s name is coupled with "d‑‑n.") After that leadoff, it hardly seems worth mentioning that there are plenty of milder profanities, numerous references to male and female anatomy, and an obscene gesture. "

That's just the language content part of the review. Doesn't even touch the sexual content or other parts of the review. Would you even want to know? So....is this really what you want your kids watching, and moreover, would you feel good about watching it?

I think we really need to take a second look at the WWJD.

As Christians...our lights are growing very dim.

We are ALL Jacked Up!

(A repost from August 2008)

We are ALL Jacked up!

Now, I don't mean that by saying we are like high or spaced out, drugged up...I mean, we are all messed up! We ALL have pain, problems and troubles. Every single one of us do. If we were to say we didn't...then we would be the biggest liars around.
Here's the deal, we want other's to believe or see that we have our acts together. We have the perfect family, perfect spouse, perfect life...when in reality, we are all struggling with something. Something that we hide.
Yes, I said it...we hide it. Take this scripture out of Genesis....after Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit from the Tree that God had specifically told them NOT to....

3:8 And they heard the voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden. 3:9 And Jehovah God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou? 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Genesis 3:8-10

They were ashamed of what they had done....and then they hid. See, we've been doing it forever! God knew where they were the whole time and He knew what they had done. Can't hide from God!

We go to church and someone will ask us, "how are you doing?" and how do we respond? "Why, I am just great, thank you and how are you!" We LIE! We hide it. And those that ask, do they REALLY want to know? Wouldn't you just love for somebody to ask you how you are doing and you just unload it! If so, why don't we? It's a pride issue. (yes, that P word) But you see, The Cross of Jesus Christ DESTROYS PRIDE.
We need to be walking in confession. If we are not then we are living a lie. The true church will respond the way that Jesus would want them to. It's okay...I guarantee you that the pastors in that church are all in the same boat. I repeat...We are all jacked up! What I wouldn't give to go to a service and hear the preacher just unload it! Or how about this...a sermon titled "Let's Unpack our Junk" .

You see, when we sit in our happy place, thinking that we are okay and we can make it, even though we are hurting beyond belief...we are telling God that we don't need his help. How can HE do a good work in us if we won't even confess that we are messed up. We put up a wall in between ourselves and the ONE who can make us whole again. He so wants to make us whole again, fix us. He is just waiting for us to confess it. Remember, He knows...He sees.

The following song lyrics are from Casting Crowns' Stained Glass Masquerade.

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

******************************************

How much more free will you be, once you have let it go, unpacked your junk? Imagine not having to "put on airs". Imagine just being able to tell it like it is the next time someone asks, "how are you doing?" And for those of you who ask that question...you really should be prepared to hear it....otherwise, don't ask.

Random Thoughts....or not

So...I have discovered that I am far too outspoken at times. LOL Yup, tis true. This can be a blessing and also a cursing. I do tend to want to speak out, but at the same time...it will no doubt get me into much trouble. So, I will say things that, to the general public, are random thoughts...but to me, they are things that I say instead of what I want to say in order to keep me out of trouble.

Like...why do people talk in code? Why don't they just say what's on their mind? It truly is much more freeing. Think of it this way...if you are bothered by something, or someone...just go to that person or talk about that situation with another person or a group of people and get some wise counsel. Instead...there are some that will put up a cryptic message and more often than not, it doesn't really fool anyone. There are some pretty smart people out there. It's not really that hard to figure out what you are talking about.

So...to keep myself out of trouble, or to not bring embarrassment to my family, I will hold my tongue, practice a little from the Book of James and say other things instead. That is where a lot of my funny status posts on Facebook come from. I will post a funny, to keep me from posting my irritations with those who post the coded or cryptic messages or if someone has posted a status that just, downright upsets me. Now...don't get wrong. Not all my funny statuses are for that purpose. I do like to smile too and I am a true proponent of laughter being a true medicinal plus in life.

So with all this said...I guess the point I'm trying to make here is this: Just speak truth, in love, of course...but if you really need to get something off your chest, don't post coded garb out there. Go that person or people and talk about it. Or if it is something that is okay for public posting, then by all means...just say it.

Hatred stirs up quarrels,
but love makes up for all offenses. Proverbs 10:12 (NLT)

Just speak the truth in love!

I'm Mad Too, Eddie!!

“I’m Mad Too, Eddie,” was a popular bumper sticker from the late 1970’s, along with the “misery index,” the sum of the rate of inflation and the unemployment rate. Eddie Chiles was the one that started the craze by being quoted as saying, “I’m Eddie Chiles and I’m mad as hell and I’m not taking it anymore.”

Well, this post isn't about inflation, or the "misery index" or the unemployment rate...it's about me being mad about satan continuing to think he can take over the lives of my friends and their marriages. I got word today that yet another marriage is on the brink of ending. So yes! I'm mad! I'm not going to take it anymore!

I'm no stranger to the Big "D" and I don't mean Dallas! Been through one myself, personally. I'm a product of Divorce and I Know full well what it does to children and the family. I also am a Christian and I know how God looks upon Divorce. In my own situation, I was not walking with the Lord in my daily life. At the same time, I am not going to sit and tell you that things would/could have been different. I try not to even go there, because had I not chosen the path I did, my life would not be what it is today. I believe that God has purpose for everyone and everything and He can bring Glory to every situation. I am a walking testimony to that. What I will say is this; If you are walking with God and you know exactly how He feels about Divorce, then you should want to do whatever it takes to take back control of your family and your marriage and not allow satan to benefit one bit! There can be reconciliation. Even when there has been huge hurt. It's not too late to try before you take that final step to end that bond. What brought you together? What was it that you loved about that person in the beginning? Get back to discovering each other. When was the last time you spent an hour or more just talking? What is your excuse? Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that families work. I love this quote: "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." ~Mignon McLaughlin

Satan wants nothing more than to rip apart the family. He wants to kill, steal and destroy. That's his mission. It's his goal because he wants to destroy what God so desires to bless! Why would you want for him to have a successful mission?

Please don't think that I am not understanding to certain situations...I hear you out there. I know all the ones who are no doubt saying, "but you don't know what he did" or "she never does this" or "I just don't love him anymore". The reasons are endless. I've been there...and I'm not passing judgment. All I'm saying is. Don't let satan have the upper hand.

Okay, just had to vent that out. Take back your family! Take back your marriage! Have conviction! The Pre-k/KG kids that I help teach on Sunday mornings can tell you what that is. CONVICTION: "Standing up for what is right, even when others don't"

Get MAD Too!

It's Life

This post was originally written on my mychurch.org account back in September of 2008. A year and a half later and it is still relevant and I am still learning.

"People come and go so quickly here!"

Probably one of my favorite lines from The Wizard of Oz. Why? Well, I equate it to friendships. How they come and go...just like the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide. Lately I have learned a lot about friendships verses acquaintances. What are they and more importantly...what are the differences.

Let's go to Webster:

Friend: a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; esteem. (worth, value)

Acquaintance: a person known to one, but usually not a close friend.

Hmmm, now let's take it just a little further...shall we?

Personal regard...what does that mean, exactly? It's like saying you have a personal concern for them. A fond attachment. Where in the case of Acquaintance...you just "know" them.

I'm the kind of person who "gets involved". LOL It's my personality. I have a huge heart and I reach out to others. I am a compassionate soul. When you are a person such as this...you tend to get hurt pretty easily. It's kinda of your lot in life. It has to be expected. Some day...you are going get hurt. It's okay, really...I have had many a person come and go in my life. There is that poem or saying that goes:

Reason, Season or Lifetime.

I won't repeat it here...but it talks about how people come into your life for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime. You have to be prepared in your heart for whatever the case may be. I sometimes have a hard time with this. I want everyone to stay! LOL I love people. But....some leave. Sometimes I don't even really know why. They just do. If only we could all just be that proverbial fly on the wall...then we could all have the answers. :) Then...there are the times that I have to leave. I realize that I have done all I can do and I have to just step down...or step away. That is probably harder than anything else.

In all of this rambling...I think the hardest part to talk about is that I have not been the best friend to some that I should have been. I get self consumed. It happens....it really does. You fall to temptations of talking, gossiping...the drama. Most of the time the drama just happens all on it's own. It doesn't need a catalyst... and sometimes you don't even really realize what you are doing. You are carrying on harmless conversations and things just come out. We are ALL guilty of it. ( we all fall short of the Glory of God) Then..there is that ugly one called satan. He knows your weaknesses....he will draw on every single one of them. I have had my eyes wide open of late to that.

I'm sorry. I repent before you all.

So...I endeavor to be a better person.

It's all I can do. Strive to be the woman that God has called me to be.

I wasn't put on this Earth to please anyone else but HIM.

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
love 'em anyway

Thanks for reading.

A Time of Remembrance...May We NEVER Forget.

This is my first blog post on the new blog. Do you like the title of my blog site? I got the idea from a friend at church. I simply had to use it, because it’s just a fitting title.

So, today marks the 15^th Anniversary of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing. It’s hard to believe that 15 years ago this state that I live in became the home of terrorism; terrorism from someone who was supposed to be one of our own. Many lives were changed forever that day, including my own. You see, my father was in that building that day. He was an employee of the Veterans Affairs on the 6^th floor. He had just got up from his desk when the bomb went off. His body was thrown all the way into the other room. Pelted by glass, and not being able to see, he and others in his office crawled and found their way to a back stairwell to get out of the building. This stairwell was covered in debris and like I said, he couldn’t see. It took him a little while to figure out that he had a shard of glass stuck right through his eye. He couldn’t use his left hand and he finally decided to just pull out the glass stuck in his eye.

On the outside was help. Many people were there to offer assistance to help those who had escaped to get the medical attention that they needed. All this time, I wait in my home not knowing whether he is alive or dead. My mom and step-dad were to also be at the building that day. I couldn’t reach them by phone, so I had no idea where they were. My father-in-love also to be there; hadn’t heard from him either. Two hours later, I finally hear something from my mom. She is safe. Shortly after I get a call that my Father-in-love is safe as well. Three down, one to go. Four hours later, I finally hear the news that my dad has been taken to the hospital, he is alive. My wait seemed so long, but compared to those who never heard, I can only imagine their horror and grief. Rescue efforts continued through the night. Tirelessly the workers continued to search for possible survivors. By the time it is all over, the dogs called back and the workers told no more can be done, the death toll is 168 in all.

To close this out, I will tell you that my dad lost an eye and completely severed the tendons in his left wrist. To this day he still pulls glass out of his body. He has been changed in a way that I would rather someone not be changed. He has grown fearful in ways that he most likely would never have feared and no longer works the job that he so loved and helped so many people. If you have never been to the National Memorial, go. If you have never been to the museum, go. May we NEVER forget these lives and these people and what they have endured because of terrorism.