911 an emergency that changed our lives…(and death)

Most people remember where they were “that day” (9/11/2001).

I do. I also remember that week. I had lost someone I loved dearly. Someone who taught me what a best friend was. She showed me what peace looked like in the middle of a storm. Days prior my best friend, Melissa, lost her battle with cancer.

9/11 changed many lives…for Melissa, it changed her death.

See, many out of town relatives and friends could now not fly as flights were cancelled; airports shut down and many wanted to stay close to home truly not knowing what tomorrow held. Though she and others knew her days were numbered… we would all reflect on that feeling after 9/11.

I remember her attitude through surgery’s, chemo, side effects and oxygen tanks…she had peace that transcended understanding. She asked for nothing except ‘to be burried like her Lord’.

Melissa and I couldn’t have been more different. She quiet…me, not so much. There were times I think I even got angry for her – because she should have been.

Our Pastor told me it was like we were meshed together. She had a voice like angel, was blessed with the gift of music you heard when she played the guitar and yet she was reluctant to ever stand in the spot light.

Everyone was praying for healing…but what they didn’t see is God was healing…not her, the people around her.

I remember her service like it was yesterday. Amazed that someone who seemed so meek and so quiet touched so, so many lives.

The church was packed. I think it held 300+ and the back was standing room only. I stood in awe. Reflecting on the small things that touched so many. She was leaving behind three daughters, the youngest just entering Jr. High.

The music scheduled…picked by her, was stuck on the west coast visiting another church. So his recording would have to do.

The other song…well, she had recorded a song for my birthday ‘just for me’ and I shared it with others in her world. So once again she touched them with her beautiful gifts.

I remember being asked to read a eulogy that was written by a relative who also could not fly in. I thought how could I ever do that…read in front of all these people who she had profoundly touched and not loose it… how could I do this and convey the love it was written in without turning into a blubbering idiot. I prayed about it – and I remembered her peace.

I remembered the few words her mother shared in the hospital…”the 23rd Psalm is for the living not the dead”. Her mother sadly chose not to attend. This was the second child she was burying… and “a Mother should never have to bury her children.”

The chorus of the song she played…

Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe.

And blessed are the hands that keep giving yet never recieve.

Blessed is the heart that gets broken and keeps holding on… Holdin’ on…cause that what it means to live by faith.

….

The other song she loved… I will walk and follow Jesus.

And so 17 years after all the events of 911, I encourage you to keep believing, keep giving and walk by faith. Walk and follow Jesus.

My prayers are with those who lost their best friends and loved ones. The Mothers who had to bury their children. The First Responders who chose to run in – while others were running out.

Take to heart the feeling of knowing your days are numbered. Hug and love those closest to you remembering what is truly important.

9/11/2018