Sept. 11th--Mixed Emotions

These flags are placed every September at Kastman Park here in Lubbock by Murfee Elementary students. I know it is only a small gesture but I am glad that American State Bank makes it a point to do this each year in remembrance of the 9-11 victims. These flags are an awesome site as you drive along South Loop 289 in Lubbock. It is a beautiful site but then you remember that each one of those flags stands for a lost life and it is very humbling.

I remember the initial Sept. 11th. As I took Zach to kindergarten there was the report of the 1st plane hitting the World Trade Center. I thought to myself, " I guess some small plane must have had some mechanical problem." Then I got back home just in time for the 2nd plane. I was then mesmerized in front of the television just trying to make sense of what was going on. Then in late morning I get a call from Shawn, "Hmm, Happy Birthday" in an unsure voice. Yes, everyone, my birthday is Sept. 11th. The rest of the day, as well as the next several weeks was spent in front of the television with the rest of American trying to make heads and tails of it all.

As the years have passed, I have received unusual responses when others find out it is my birthday. Most of the time the response is, "Oh, I'm sorry" or "What a day to have a birthday." I guess for the first couple of years these responses bothered me. But now my response is that it was my birthday long before it was a national tragedy and to be honest even though my birthday is know as one of the worst days in American history, I look at it as a privilege to share that day with such people who gave their lives.

As this day continues please remember and pray for our troops as they do the duty they need to do for our country and show respect to those families who have lost loves ones. Never forget what they have done for us.