RE: 9/11 Story

[Guest guest]

I was thinking about 9/11 this morning. It seems like just yesterday, and

it seems like a lifetime ago. I remember watching the situation unfold on

TV, and feeling so helpless. I finally decided to head to our local blood

bank and donate blood (it was before I was diagnosed with RA). We have a

very small branch here in Apopka, and there were only 2 lab techs working,

yet there were already about 40 people there, and many, many more to come.

A few of us started helping out, taking names of people for the registration

attendant, and giving estimates of the wait. It was heartwarming to see how

many of my neighbors were coming out to help. Because the wait was so long,

we had the idea to solicit local businesses and ask for donations of food

and water for the people waiting patiently in line. We got sub platters

from Subway, pizzas from Domino's, hamburgers from Mcs, and cases and

cases of bottled water as well as bags of ice from Eckerd Drugs. Walking in

and asking, people said " Sure, just let me know what you need! " I'll never

forget the experience of our community, our nation, coming together like

that in the face of adversity. The saddest thing, of course, was that there

was no real need for all the blood we were waiting to donate. I don't think

that possibility occurred to any of us. It took over 8 hours before I was

able to give blood, and there were hundreds of people after me on the list

who waited all day and never got their turn. The two lab techs worked until

long after midnight, but ran out of steam and were being told by the main

office to close up shop. Anyway, when I remember 9/11 I try to focus on the

wonderful people I met, more than the horrific act that was perpetuated on

our country.

I just wanted to share. Does anyone else have a 9/11 story?

Much love to all,

Carol

[ ] In Rmemberance of 9/11

I wonder what she thought

As she stood there, strong and tall.

She couldn't turn away,

She was forced to watch it all.

Did she long to offer comfort

As her country bled?

With her arm forever frozen

High above her head.

She could not shield her eyes

She could not hide her face

She just stared across the water

Keeping Freedom's place.

The smell of smoke and terror

Somehow reduced her size

So small within the harbor

But still we recognized...

How dignified and beautiful

On a day so many died

I wonder what she thought,

And I know she must have cried.

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

I'm Proud to be an American

(God Bless The USA)

Written By Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife,

I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land...God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennessee,

Across the plains of Texas from sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to L.A.,

There's pride in every American heart and it's time we stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land...God Bless the U.S.A.

---------------------------------

- We Remember

9-11: A tribute to the more than 3,000 lives lost