Thirteen years ago today, I was in a U.S. History class, watching the news and waiting for class to start.
Thirteen years ago, my second eldest sister and her husband were getting ready to fly out to their new posting in Germany.
Thirteen years ago, my eldest niece was my only niece and she was barely learning how to crawl.
Thirteen years ago, for the first time in my life, I feared losing not just my sister, but my brother-in-law.
Thirteen years ago, I prepared for my niece to possibly have to live with us and without her parents.
Thirteen years ago, their posting didn’t change, but their way to get to it did.
Thirteen years ago, my sister’s family had to drive across the country and catch a military flight instead of a commercial one.
I am thankful this day not only for those who died saving people from harm, not only for those who continue to fight and protect today, but also for the knowledge that my niece didn’t have to pay the same price that so many other children have had to.
Thank you to all those who work towards the safety of not only citizens of this country, but others as well.
- image: sister’s phone
These are her children, two of which were born several years after September 11, 2001.
Make sure to read the original Thankful Thursday as well.
Breathing In 
Such a beautiful post, Martha, I’m glad your family is safe as well. Bless you,xx
LikeLike
I’m glad too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Four years ago today, my youngest son and his bride said their I do’s. It was their way of taking back the day. Terrorism will not prevail.
LikeLike
No, it won’t. I’m glad that today is a day to remember the good as well as the bad and the former will always overpower the latter. Thank you.
LikeLike
So glad everyone in your family got through it safely.
Thirteen years ago I was holding a sick infant and grieving because I knew life in America had changed forever and he’d never know the type of world I grew up in.
LikeLike
(*nods*) If I’d been a little older, I’d’ve been mourning that too.
LikeLike
Curious — did you have that sense of things being forever different from that point on?
LikeLike
Yeah, it’s only gotten worse throughout the years.
LikeLike
I know what you mean. 😦
LikeLike
There are good things that my siblings’ kids have had that I didn’t, though, and that helps.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a wonderful post. It is amazing how much has changed over these 13 years, some for the better, some not, but this is the world that we now live in. Thanks for sharing your memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for enjoying them.
LikeLike
Beautiful Martha. So much to be thankful for.
LikeLike
Aye.
LikeLike