Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembering 9-11, Ten Years Later

Cousin Georgia and Adelia in San Francisco, 9/12/01
Today, as I remembered the many lives that were lost, altered and forever changed due to the 9/11/01 attack on America, it reminded me that God has a path for our lives.  We may not be privy to the path He has chosen for us, but it will be revealed in His time.

Ten years ago today, I was in San Francisco, California.  Jeff was a delegate at the 2011 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers International Convention, so we made it a family trip.  Mom and Adelia traveled with us, as I was expecting Griffen.  We planned on using the trip to explore San Francisco and visit with Jeff's sister, Frances.  This experience was going to be a memorable time for Adelia, as it would be one of the last big trips prior to becoming a big sister.

I will never forget waking up in a strange city...watching the events unfold on television.  As I literally wiped the sleep from my eyes, the realization that the events on the television were real, and not a dramatization was surreal.  I immediately knew that life would never be the same.  We prayed for those who lost their lives, as well as for safety, as San Francisco was possibly the next target.

After notifying everyone that we were safe, we set out about our normal plans for the day.  The terrorists might plow us down, but we would be sight-seeing when it happened!  We basically had the city to ourselves, with the exception of the plain-clothed officers, dogs, and soldiers stationed at regular intervals throughout the city.  I'll never forget how deserted Fisherman's Wharf was...there were only a few tourists, and what seemed to be thousands of law enforcement personnel!

Fast-forward ten years, and now on 9/11/11...I am a breast cancer survivor!  So many things have happened in the past ten years, that were on God's time, and not necessarily mine.  In the ten year period, I have given birth to two wonderful children, relocated to another city, and been diagnosed with cancer.  When I think about the changes in my life, it reminds me of a chorus that my Mom always sings, when piddling around the house...

In His time, in His time
He makes all things beautiful, in His time
Lord, please show me everyday
As You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say, in Your time. 

In Your time, in Your time
You make all things beautiful, in Your time
Lord, my life to You I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing, in Your time.

Lord, please show me everyday
As You're teaching me Your way
That You do just what You say, in Your time
In Your time
In Your time.


The 2011 IBEW International Convention begins later this week in Vancouver.  Several months ago, Jeff volunteered not to attend, but to stay behind to handle things in the office.  At the time, I questioned his decision, but he was adamant about volunteering.  This is just one more thing that shows me God is in control, not us.  

It all goes along with some of those "unanswered prayers" that happen from time to time.  It's hard not to question them, but in the end, it's "His Time" that guides our lives, and those we love.

TTFN,
-S

P.S.  Even with the tragedy, we had a wonderful trip to San Francisco in 2011.  Many memories were created and we were able to return home only three days later than originally planned.

2 comments:

tracy said...

I played the video of the twin towers for anna and explained about the pentagon and the flight that went down on its way to the white house. I wanted her to know that even though it happened before she was born that its an important day in our country's history. It was hard, and the country has come a long way since then there have been lots of changes and life does seem to keep going forward. I had forgotten that you guys had gone to San Fransico way back when. the picture of Deedee and Georgie is too cute!

Anita J. - The Cake Girl said...

Mr. Charles Graham had us sing that song in music class at NHE. It was always one of my favorite memories at school. In His Time.... God Bless you Shelby! Still praying for y'all. :)