10 years ago...I was sitting in Strozier Library at Florida State University. I was sleeping studying before my next class started when a student ran up to me and said the library was closing. I thought that was weird...but I packed up my stuff and walking down the stairs, there was buzz that school was canceled for the day. When I got outside of the library, there was a sea of students and I knew something was wrong. By the time I got to my car, all I could gather from overhearing conversations was that a bomb had gone off in the World Trade Center. I called Shaun, which woke him up and told him I was headed home. I tried calling my Mom, but I can't remember if I talked to her then or later.
On the way home, I heard the news and the second plane had just hit. As soon as I got home, I woke up Shaun and we pretty much stayed glued to the television the rest of the day. I was only 19 at the time...and this totally changed my whole perspective of the world. I was scared...terrified, and to this day, still cannot wrap my mind around the event. I will never forget that day...and watching the specials about it last night brought back so many feelings from that day.
6 years ago, another life changing event occurred. Shaun and I became parents for the first time. I was past my due date and very anxious about meeting our little girl and my doctor was the on call doctor that day and suggested inducing me. I didn't really want to be induced, and especially pick that day as her birthday, so we decided on the 13th. Well...life is unpredictable (as it seems...or maybe it isn't so random after all?) and I woke up with contractions 4 minutes apart at about 3:30 a.m. 6 years ago, my perspective on the world completely changed again, when I held my sweet daughter in my arms for the first time.
Happy 6th birthday baby girl...throughout your life, on your birthday, there will be a somber feeling because of that day in history. But you are a beautiful reminder that life is so very precious and that there are many many reasons to be optimistic and hopeful about the future. I love you more than you could ever imagine.
Love,
Mom
6 comments:
Thank you for sharing this story. It is a true reminder that life is unpredictable - we must choose to deal with BOTH the traumas and triumphs. Happy Birthday, A! Can't wait to see the celebratory pictures. :)
I remember that day well too and it each year we are reminded of it but we should never forget that little miracles happen every day even on days that have a sad connotation. Happy Birthday to your sweetie. She is so special as is each and every child!
I remember very well how I felt that day and how it still very much affects me. Thanks to God for allowing you a tender mercy with your baby being born on that day.
lovely post :) give A a big hug for me, and ask her how it feels to be six now .. and take notes :)
Well said Pam. Hope Aislynn had a very special birthday!
For some reason I never realized that A's bday was on 9/11. I'm sure you've told me this in the years before, but it never registered into my thick skull until now! Her newborn pic looks exactly like her! How cute!
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