it is a good day after all

the anniversary of 9/11 is coming up soon. like those in the generations before us who remembered where they were and what they were doing when kennedy and martin luther king were assassinated, i remember that day in 2001. i remember thinking it was a joke when someone said a plane just crashed into the world trade center. i remember the panicked feeling when i realized my most treasured friends might be included in the rising number of casualties. i must have hit re-dial every minute until i got through and heard their voices say "we're okay." the big sigh of relief and immediate prayers for everyone in ny.

i remember thinking "o my God, my pastor flies in and out of DC all the time!" my spiritual leader could be gone, too? a sigh of relief to hear he was in town that day. then thinking that my sister is up there up north. they on occasion visit ny since she's there in rhode island. what about my aunt in manhattan? my other family in queens? somebody should try calling to make sure they're ok. it's funny how one single day that started out same as any others quickly turned into a day of tragedy. the date september 11 is forever marked with darkness and sadness. i remember.

i also remember where i was and what i was doing that very same day two years later. i was in a hospital room watching all of the "we remember" programs about that sad day. all of the footage from the event, the interviews, the candlelighting ceremonies. yes, but i was not sad that day in the hospital room. i was with my sister, waiting for new life to come into the world. i was waiting for the miracle that is my nephew. as my sister lay there wading through contractions, i thought to myself "this day is good again. an angel is coming.

i say he's a miracle because he was not supposed to be born for another six weeks. my sister was in two car accidents while she was pregnant with him. one at four months and the other at the eighth month mark. this kid's a fighter for sure. and obviously a little impatient. this day is a good day. an angel is coming.

this sweet, unbelievably beautiful little boy came into the world on this day to remind me that miracles still happen. he came to remind me that the day should be reverenced, but not mourned for all eternity. it should not be looked upon as a day to forget the miracle of life. miracles happened on that day. think of all those who survived. think of how that was miraculous all on its own. don't get me wrong. i do pause and pray for those who are still hurting from the losses in ny and virginia. i pray that they've found healing and the God has granted them peace of mind, spirit and soul.

but then i have to remember God's grace and sweet mercy as i play with the angel that was born september 11, 2003. i remember how it was a struggle for him to make it here. i remember why my sister chose his name because it means "gift of God." i tell people who cringe when they learn of his birthday that it's okay. it's a good day now. an angel was born. it is a good day after all.

be kind. be mindful. be blessed.