Ripple Effects

Repost of previous writing — but still most relevant…

15 Years ago, I was working in a very non-Red Cross job, worrying about very non-Red Cross things.  Kids, getting to work on time, dogs, bills, time with hubby…you know.  Normal stuff.

Then in a heartbeat – literally at the turn of a radio dial, that changed.  While on my way to work on the morning of September 11, 2001, I heard the news.  It seemed to come at me in little snapshots of information – none of which made any sense to me at all.  As soon as I arrived at work, I tossed my stuff in my office and went to where some of my coworkers sat.  “Did I just hear that right?”  The stunned look on all their faces told me that I did in fact hear correctly.

Shortly, my son called.  He was off work, and watching the news – as everyone in the country was at that time.  Our 21yr old son.  Terrorist act?  War?  Draft?  Whoa….wait a minute here!  Suddenly, the things that had occupied my mind earlier that morning seemed very distant.  A whole new set of worries – and yes, fears – were looming in front of me.

15 Years Ago –

Not so long ago – and yet a lifetime.

I joined the Red Cross the following year.  In the 11 years since that time, I have had the privilege to meet, and work with some amazing people that were a part of the response to the events of that tragic day.  Some spent weeks, even months, on location doing what they do anytime disaster strikes.  Yet it was different — and it was life changing for all who were there.  Working alongside a network of thousands of other amazing responders from agencies and organizations from all corners of the country.  Working countless hours, shedding countless tears.

Today –

Our children are grown – with children of their own now.  Grandkids that are the light of Gramma and Grampa’s life.  Another new set of worries – slumber parties at our house, school activities to watch, dogs, bills, time with hubby…you know.  Normal stuff.

I’ll have my radio on in the morning — and will think back to that day just as many of us will.

And I’ll think of all those that answered the call to help – that left their homes and families to try to help bring some form of comfort and hope to those who needed it most.  I’ll think of those lost – those left to carry on – and those committed to stand ready to answer that call again.