Six years ago...9/11

On a bright and sunny Tuesday, Sept 11, 2001, I woke up to the phone ringing. My hubby answered it. I drowsily went downstairs, and the radio was on. The phone call had been from my Mom. It was 7:30 am PST and she had called to say that the Twin Towers had been bombed and the Pentagon had been attacked.

My heart nearly stopped beating. I wondered if it was the End of the world at last. Our puppy was very sick at the same time, and I was concerned for her, so between the news of the bombings (which turned out to be planes crashing deliberately into the Twin Towers, a fact I still can't accept) and the sick puppy, it was a truly wretched day.

It changed my perspective on the world and life in general. On Sept 23rd, my mother in law passed away, and I was nearly overcome with grief and death. I hated the thought of dying. I hated the thought that there are people in this world who love and enjoy killing. It took me a long time to recover and realize that I need to enjoy each day to the full, and be thankful to God for giving me this time to be alive.

It's been SIX YEARS since that awful day, and I can say I really did change. I still miss my mother in law so much. It does NOT get better with the passing of time. That is a lie. It doesn't hurt as deeply, but the hurt and the longing for her to still be here, so I can talk to her and see her, is just the same as the day I heard she was gone. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and was a Christian, so I know she is happy in Heaven with Him. But I still wish I could speak with her again. Those things never stop hurting, nor do they get better.

Here is a wonderful link to some words written by John Piper regarding this day:
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2388

Matthew's first day of college!

It's Matthew's first day of college. It's hard to believe. When people tell you to enjoy your youth, to savour each new day, to enjoy your children as much as possible while they are young, take heed! It was 13 years ago that Matthew began his first day of Kindergarten. I can remember it so clearly. We had enrolled him in a private Christian school, and his first day was right after Labour Day. Robert drove all of us to Vancouver Christian School, and we took a few photos. Matthew was sooooooo excited! His teacher was Miss Tiu, and he adored her from day one. I didn't cry when he was gone for 3 hours that first day. In fact, I never cried. I was so happy we had a chance to send him to a Christian school for 9 years.

Matthew never had a problem being away from me. He was always an independent boy. He enjoyed Kindergarten, and he always was exhausted and had a nap when he got home. He went on Tuesdays and Thursdays full days, and every other Friday. Oh the memories! In Grade 9 he switched to Windermere Secondary, the same public school I attended. He enjoyed his studies (mostly) and graduated with honours in June of this year. Now a new life is before him. I hope he enjoys college. I feel he is privileged to remain at home and go to a college nearby. We saved for his tuition since he was a young child. He has enough to get him through 2 years, then he's on his own. He's taking history, English, and classical studies. He loves writing, but is unsure of what to major in. I hope he finds his path in life, and enjoys each day to the full.

My parent's 52nd anniversary

I nearly forgot about my parent's anniversary today. Of course. You know what my mind is like! I had them over last Friday evening to see the rest of our trip photos, and I could have celebrated the event then, but absolutely forgot about it until Saturday morning. I had an idea for a gift but hadn't bought it yet. * sigh *

I was busy last week with fence painting. The weather was finally nice so I had to get it done. I finished it, and also painted the bench we have in our front garden, and re-painted the side gate too. A home takes a lot of maintenance but it's worth it.

My parents were married in a garden wedding in Amity, Oregon, 52 years ago today. I think they deserve a medal. How many people do you know that have been married over 50 years? Here's a photo from that day so long ago: