I'm sure we all remember

....just where we were when we heard the shattering news on 11th September 2001, that such horrible events were taking place in America.  I was still asleep on that morning Australian time when our son Nathan came rushing in with the phone in his hand saying 'turn the television on, turn the television on!'.  It was our eldest daughter on the phone, saying in disbelief that America had been invaded.  Throughout the morning we stayed glued to the television as the terrible story unfolded live before our eyes.  Back then, before the days of digital television here, we had only 5 or 6 tv stations here and every one of them had 24/7 coverage of the ongoing tragedy.  If there was nothing new to show, they replayed the most 'newsworthy' parts. It broke my heart yet I couldn't stop watching.  Because I was at home and couldn't concentrate on reading I watched even more.  In the end I was so emotionally affected by it that I was totally drained emotionally, as I am sure everyone else was. I could not believe the suffering.  But for so many it left more than memories of shock and horror.  It left a gap in their lives that can never be filled.


And now it is 10 years and so many more lives have been lost in so many places.  I think the events of 9/11 have had an impact on everyone, even those of us who did not know personally those who lost loved ones.  My thoughts are with the people in the United States today, especially those who were bereaved on that day or know someone who was.  It will be a day that touches all people who believe in freedom throughout the world, and my sincere prayer is that while we pause to remember, we won't forget those who suffer and continue to suffer in so many ways right across the world.  Whatever we can do, in however small a way - even if it is a smile or a friendly word or act of kindness or acceptance - let's all do our part to help others feel accepted and cared about.