A Letter Of Remembrance And Appreciation

 Only a few short days ago, I assumed I would be leisurely writing this morning’s post from my cozy Air-b--n-b  in Bend, OR, cup of Sisters Coffee in hand. I would write a quick tribute as I usually do on this day, but I probably wouldn’t have time to write more than that, as my bachelorette weekend would already be in full swing (my sister had a full itinerary written out that she had spent weeks creating). 

On the plus side, I’m still writing this morning with coffee in hand (although it’s a Winco brand French Roast instead of Sisters). But there is nothing leisurely about how I feel this morning. In a way, I feel like I’m in the middle of Ground Zero all over again, just on a slightly smaller scale. 

Half of my home state is on fire, and the other half seems to have either already burned or is on evacuation watch. So many people, people I know and care for, have lost everything. 

During times of crisis, I can’t help but think of first responders. From fire fighters to police officers to ambulance drivers…the list goes on. Just like they did on 9/11, they are all working around the clock, apart from their families and risking their own lives, all to ensure that we are safe. I think to myself, “My God, what would we do without them.”  

This week has been such a whirlwind of emotions for me, and I feel I’ve been yanked between all five stages of grief several times. “What,” I ask myself, “could possibly be next? The freaking Apocalypse?” At  this point in 2020, nothing would surprise me. 

But still, even amidst the constant worry and sadness of these past few days, I feel an uncanny sense of peace. 2020 has challenged and shaped my faith in more ways than I ever thought were possible, and has allowed me to fully lean on God for protection and contentment. Just last weekend, I was flipping through my study Bible and decided to read the book of Philippians. For those unfamiliar, the book was written by the apostle Paul to the people of Philippi. The main theme of Philippians is joy, as the words “joy” and “rejoicing” are found here more than any of Paul’s other books. However, Paul did not write those words from a cozy air-b- n -b either, neither did he write them from even the comfort of his home. He wrote it all from his dark and desolate prison cell in Rome. 

I’ll share with you my favorite verse from the book of Philippians, one I have been whispering over and over to myself this week: 

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:11-13 

September 11th will look differently in the years to come, as we now have even more to grieve than before. But I am slowly being forced to learn that joy and contentment are not found in my circumstances. Yes, happy and stress-free times certainly help. But true joy is only found in the God who knew everything about my life before I was even born. He is my source of strength, protection, and a contentment that cannot be shaken--not even by raging fires and billowing smoke. He is our only hope in this broken, broken world. 

On Monday morning, I woke up and began what I assumed would be a completely normal day. My only complaint was knowing I’d be slightly delayed flying Seattle to LAX. I could have never predicted the hellish events that were about to unfold. 

Nineteen years ago today, thousands of people woke up expecting a similar normalcy that they never received. The names of those who died on September 11, 2001 should be on the lips of every American today. We must never forget their sacrifices and lives that were unfairly cut short from this tragedy. 

Here are just a few: 

American Airlines Flight 11 

Flight Attendants: 

 Barbara Arestegui

Jeffrey Collman 

Sara Low 

Karen Martin 

Kathleen Nicosia 

Betty Ong 

Jean Roger 

Madeline Sweeny 

Dianne Snyder 

Captain:

John Ogonowski 

First Officer: Thomas McGinness

United Airlines Flight 175

Flight Attendants: 

Robert J. Fangman 

Amy N. Jarret 

Amy R. King

Kathryn LaBorie 

Alfred G. Marchand 

Michael C. Tarrou

Alicia N. Titus 

Captain: 

Victor Saracini 

First Officer: 

Michael Horrocks 

American Airlines Flight 77: 

Flight Attendants: 

Michele Heidenberger 

Jennifer Lewis 

Kenneth Lewis 

Renee May 

Captain: 

Charles Burlingame 

First Officer: 

David Charlebois 

United Airlines Flight 93: 

Flight Attendants: 

Lorraine G. Bay 

Sandra Bradshaw 

Wanda A. Green 

CeeCee Lyles 

Deborah Welsh 

Captain: 

Jason Dahl 

First Officer: 

Leroy Homer 

I also ask that we all take some time today to thank our first responders in Oregon, and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.  Politics aside, they have truly stepped up during this crisis and are making sacrifices most of us couldn’t imagine making. 

A special thank you to: 

Clackamas County Sheriff's and Fire Departments

Lane County Sheriff and Fire Departments

Douglas County Sheriff and Fire Departments 

Jackson County Sheriff and Fire Departments

Marion County Sheriff and Fire Departments 

All other volunteer and non-volunteer firefighters 

The American Red Cross and all volunteers 

 Other local government officials who have worked so hard to keep us informed via social media and news outlets 

We need you all. 

“If we have learned nothing else from this tragedy, it is that life is short, and there is no time for hate.” -wife of United Flight 93 Captain Jason Dahl