Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watching
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
–Alan Jackson, Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the most vicious act of terrorism ever committed on U.S. soil. Trent at Pink is the New Blog, instead of blogging today about superstars and overexposed starlets, posted a full listing of all the Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Scrolling down the list really brought home the tragedy once again, the human costs, which tends to get obscured as this incident has been reframed to serve various political agendas. But I don’t want to rant about politics today. I just want to take a moment of silence to remember all those who lost their lives on that September day, say a collective prayer for all the families who lost loved ones, and reflect on how blessed I am to be living and breathing today. Life is a precious gift – we owe it to ourselves to live it to the fullest and not take a minute for granted. We also shouldn’t take any of the people in our lives for granted either. Take a moment today and call your mom/dad/sibling/best friend/old friend/whoever means something to you – and tell them you love them. I really think that is the best way to honor those that have fallen, to live and love as fully and completely as possible.
In other, happier news, one of my oldest, dearest most cherished friends FABY is celebrating her 30th birthday today AND an engagement! So I would like to take this space to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Fabiola. I love you more than words, and trust me when I say, 30 is just the beginning of the BEST years of your life!
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