I woke up this morning feeling especially grateful and began planning my day. Perhaps I'll prepare 4 lbs. of red beans for dinner, after all, it is Monday and I never cook small. Since the temperature is 76 and not 106, I'll take a walk before breakfast. Then I thought of people I was most grateful to have had in my life, my mom, my grandmother and my grandfather. These three were my rocks, my mentors where I learned to be a good human but most importantly, a child of God. Often times we learn "our way" as children, move on to teenager then young adult with years lost in our journey. As we grow older and recap our life, we remember the path that was taught us as children. So, I'm grateful, awe so grateful for those who provided me love and direction.
As I prepared my morning coffee, I remembered it was 9/11. I'm grateful to be an American, yet 22 years ago this was without a doubt a most sad day in my country. This was a day many of us will always remember where we were and who was with us. The world remembers who was lost and who continues to suffer today from a place called "Ground Zero".
It was early Tuesday morning twenty-two years ago, as I woke up in an uncomfortable chair next to my grandmother's hospital bed. I clicked the tv on and starred at the screen. The sound was muted as my grandmother slept. I stood up and walked to the tv and read the captions over and over. I was speechless, surely this was the preview of some creepy movie. I clicked on every major channel seeing the same nightmarish movie trailer only to realize - a truth. "Oh My God!", I thought silently as tears poured from my eyes. Evil had invaded our space, but we will prevail!
Yes, I have much to be grateful for in my life. I've been loved and guided by a wonderful Christian family. I was born in a free country with many opportunities. I can cook beans or any other food my taste bud's desire. I can worship freely. I can take long walks without fear. I can rest in peace. I'm grateful to have these choices. In this short life on earth, I will be forever GRATEFUL for the rocks of my path.
Renée
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