Today marks the 8th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. The cowardly terrorist acts of that day left over 3000 people dead and thousands more maimed or crippled. I remember that morning when I woke up to the news of a “small plane” that had hit one of the WTC Towers. I didn’t think much about it but to say a quick prayer for the people in the tower and on the plane and then go about my normal routine of getting ready for work. About 5 minutes later I got a call from my mom telling me to turn on the news and see what was happening. I learned quickly it was much more than just a small plan that hit the tower.
It was the beginning of a horrible day for our country, the people around the world, and especially the families that lost loved ones. Our country and world have changed so much since that day. I took sometime yesterday to think about how this event changed my life and affected me and I thought I would share that with you today as a tribute to the victims of September 11th.
I don’t mean for this post to be about me. It’s more about what I have learned, remembered, stopped taking for granted, and how that day impacted me. I never want to forget that day and what happened. It would be a dishonor to the people that died that day, and to those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom and keeping us safe at home.
As I took time to reflect here is what came to my mind:
Patriotism – I’d always been patriotic but after September 11th I fell in love with my country for the first time. I don’t know if you experienced this but I felt a tremendous amount of pain and sorrow for my fellow countrymen that died that day. I felt proud of the first firefighters and police officers on the scene that ran into burning buildings to help others get out safely. I remember feeling really pissed off that someone or some group had done this to MY country and MY fellow Americans. That love for my country has not ceased and is as strong today as it was that morning.
Relationships - That morning so many of life’s problems seemed to just stop and fade away. I became much more aware of how selfish I was in so many areas of my life including most of my relationships. To think of all those people that never got to say goodbye to their loved ones. Or the people that did call home and left heart-breaking messages on answering machines describing the horror they were going through but reassuring the listener that they loved them and would see them soon. Before September 11th I took for granted the ability mend relationships whenever I felt like I wanted to. I never thought of death or how quickly someone could be gone. Now, I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t tell my wife and kids that I love them. I work hard to make sure my relationships are in good standing and that people know how I feel about them. I make sure I tell my friends how appreciative I am of them. I try to encourage others and support them. I don’t ever want to find myself saying, “I wish I would have made it right with them before they died”.
Leadership – I remember seeing true leadership that day from normal everyday citizens, our elected leaders, the firefighters and police officers, and other emergency response teams. It was an amazing display of leadership under pressure. It was people leading groups out of burning collapsed buildings, putting their interests aside to serve others and lead others. It was the countless Todd Beamers that said, “Let’s roll” in so many different ways. I go back and read some of the speeches from that week and they are truly inspiring. They demonstrate the resilience of the American spirit and leadership that make our country great.
Attitude – Every time I think I’m having a bad day or start to have a negative attitude about life and all its problems I remember September 11th and other tragic events or people that are less fortunate. It does not take the problems away but it sure does put them into perspective and remind me of the blessings in life that I have and should be thankful for.
The Presence of Evil – We saw the acts of evil people that day. Not people that were misunderstood or confused or “freedom fighters”. No. We saw the acts of evil people that believed the lies of the Enemy. Evil is very present in this world and we must be on our guard at all times. I’m probably more aware of that now with my children and my desire to protect them from harm. I’ve learned that evil does not show itself openly or come on quickly. It works in as a slow fade that over time weeds its way into our lives and strikes when we least expect it.
Faith – That day I think almost everyone said a prayer and asked God for help. Since that day my faith has grown and my relationship with God has been more rich and rewarding. I think its because I did not hold back any of my questions from God or frustrations or anger that I felt towards the events of that day. I was not afraid to ask why? or cry out for Him to show mercy to the people most affected. Not all of my questions have been answered but most of them have and I faith that someday they all will.
What comes to your mind as you remember back on to that tragic day in September 2001? How did the events of September 11th affect you and change your life?
Please remember the events of September 11th today. Don’t let the day pass without pausing to think of the lives that were lost and say a prayer for those that are still struggling. We owe so much to the brave men and women that protected us that day and continue to do so even now. Remember them as well.
Make it a great day!
Coach Dan
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