"I REMEMBER"

(Thoughts on the day and evening of  the 9/11 attacks)

I remember

the most beautiful blue skies,

white billowy clouds

and gentle breeze.

I remember

children rolling down a grassy hill,

hearts filled only with giggles and joy …

and I remember

the tears that filled my eyes

because their innocence

would soon be shattered

when they were told of the news.

I remember

a great desire to scoop them up,

shielding them forever

from things such as

fear and terror and sadness.

I remember

walking into a church that evening …

one that wasn’t my own …

a sanctuary filled

with strangers

and never feeling more alone

then I did among them.

I remember

and will always remember

the touch on my shoulder

and the whisper in my ear

from a stranger.

I remember

that he walked across the aisle

as the pastor spoke.

I remember

his words of compassion…

“I don’t want you to think

that you are alone.”

I remember seeking him out

so that I wouldn’t be alone

as I left the church that night.

He stopped

and introduced himself to me.

He smiled at his child

and then at me and said,

“My daughter’s name is Anna”

I will always remember his face

when I said,

“And I am Anna as well.”

I remember

that at that very moment

he realized why

he had chosen me to touch

and to offer words of assurance

to this other Anna, …

a stranger to him,

alone among the hundreds.

As I remember

18 years ago,

I hope to also remember

that others feel alone

in the crowds of their world,

for whatever reason.

O God,

point me to the one

who most needs

to know that they are not alone,

to the one who needs a touch,

to the one who needs a

reassuring whisper.

Gracious and Loving God,

help me to always remember…

give me words most needed …

nudge me to touch someone’s shoulder

so that you might touch someone’s

helplessness and hopelessness.

I remember … may I never forget.

.