God Bless America

By Wendy A. Jones

I lived in Boise ten years ago. I was a new mother, a young wife, and had recently taken on a home mortgage. I was 24 years old.

I never watched television in the mornings because it seemed like once it was on, it stayed on all day despite my efforts. But on September 11, 2001, I decided to watch the morning news. I can't even remember why or what prompted it, I just remember my mom calling me to see if I'd heard. "I'm already watching it," I told her.

As events unfolded, it was hard to comprehend that this was actually happening. As Bonnie said in her last post, it seemed like a movie. I don't think the horror or the awful significance of what occurred began to sink in until later that day.

I remember loving President George W. Bush. I know there are lots of things that go on in politics that I don't understand and lots of people who think he didn't do well at leading our country, but hearing him speak after the tragedy made me think, "I am so glad he is president right now." His faith inspired me. And I do love the way he ended his speeches with, "And God bless America."

Speaking of "God Bless America," the resurgence of that song's popularity and the flying of the flag was a testament to Americans and how much we love our country. There was a unity ten years ago amongst us as Americans that has waned in recent years.

A family member of two victims on the Boston flight said, "Every person has defining moments in their lives. It isn't the defining moments that shape who we are, it's how we react to those defining moments."

Today I remember those who died, and honor their memory. I long to react to my own life's defining moments as well as those who survive the victims of this tragedy have.

And God bless America.