September 11th

For any of us who have ever spent any time out of the United States, feelings of patriotism are naturally tender and close to the surface. As we commemorated Sept 11, 2001 today, Rachel's high school performed a remembrance concert with her band and the school choir's. One of the speakers reminded us that our kids have never known an airport where family members could actually meet you at the gate or where you didn't have to take off your shoes to go through security. Do you remember when you could visit a hospital without showing ID first?

When the twin towers were hit, we were living in Utah and Blair was on a business trip in Texas. I remember the uneasy feelings of airports being shut down, having no idea what would happen next, and waiting for Blair to finally make it home after a 24 hour bus ride.

Since 2001, we have lived in New Jersey (1 hour from New York) and been to Manhattan many times. We were only 4 hours from Washington DC sites like the White House and the Washington Monument. We went to Philadephia and learned so much about our founding fathers while there. We are so blessed in our country to have so many freedoms and so many who guard those for us.

The videos below are from Rachel's concert. They both are under a minute and are worth the watch. Start with the bottom one first. They opened the concert with the audience singing The Star-Spangled Banner, then, as we are sitting down, Rachel plays Taps offstage. Side note - Rachel is incredibly talented and loves music! I was so impressed by her playing today. I have told her I expect to hear her play Silver Bells on the trumpet in my final moments of life.

The first video is of their closing number. Enjoy!!