Remembering the Fallen

 Let us remember the fallen. Let us ponder for a moment the emotions of those who sat in terror on the planes as they headed for the World Trade Center.
Let us ponder how those who huddled in stairwells, fearing for their lives,

felt in the last moments of their time here.

Let us consider the families that have been left behind. Let us remember the mothers who have mourned for the children that they have held so dear, the wives whose hearts have ached with pain unimaginable for their husbands who would never return home, the husbands who have pressed on for the sake of their children.

And let us remember those who have given their lives in service to this country. With gratitude, let us remember those who have honorably fought overseas since the September 11th attacks, and those who have fought to defend our country in years past.

How sweet it was to read All Those Secrets of the World to our little ones this evening. Jane Yolen shares this beautiful narrative of her experience as a young girl as she watched her father leave to fight in the war. She recounts how her family coped after his departure and how they lovingly welcomed him home two years later.

I am so thankful that I was able to sit with our little ones as we read this story and remembered the fallen. What a blessing it was to have our oldest sitting next to me, listening so intently to learn about young "Janie," and to cradle our youngest in my arms as we read, feeling her little face buried in my arm. How sweet to have a husband who loves us so much.  Let us remember those who have given their lives to make these moments possible.

And let us come before our Father's throne with thanksgiving for our freedom, for our lives, and for this very moment that we are privileged to enjoy.