He told me he wanted to join the military. Without a thought, I said NO.
I'm in no way in charge of my brother, but I didn't want to allow him to put himself in danger's way like that. Little did I know he was putting himself in the way of something so great.
Yesterday was a very touching day in the city. Everywhere I went, TV's were talking about what happened in this beautiful city 11 years ago, people were showing their respect, and there was talk of the tragic day.
11 years ago, I was getting ready for 6th grade. My dad called us into the family room to show us what was on the news. I knew it was a bad thing. It made me sad. But it seemed like a story or a scene out of a movie. I was shocked, but didn't fully comprehend what was happening. All I knew was that my mom was traveling on a plane to Idaho and I was terrified. Or maybe I just pretended to be terrified for attention from my friends. Who knows. But my Dad was somehow so positive that she was ok. :)
I truthfully feel that the depth and fullness of 9/11 did not sink in until moving here. Now when I think about it, I get emotional. After spending every day the last 8 months walking the city, I feel like I have an inkling of how terrifying and saddening this experience would really be. My heart aches for those affected by this tragedy.
I'm so grateful for those serving our country, but especially grateful for my little (big) brother who chose to serve our country at a young 18 and went forward with such pride and honor. Seeing his confidence and love for our country has completely changed my love for this country. I feel so much American pride. Call me crazy, but I have told Derek multiple times I want to join the Army. He'd never allow it, nor do I think I'd actually follow through with it, but I sure respect our soldiers and their families, especially the wives/husbands and kids of those serving.
Here in the city they have what is called the Tribute of Lights. It was so touching and beautiful to see where the towers once stood. After working a 14 hour day and feeling so exhausted, I talked myself and Derek into going out to take some pictures of it, and I'm so glad I did. It took me a while to figure out how to get a picture that wasn't totally blurry from the slowest shutter speed ever (I'm sure you photographers are rolling your eyes. I'm still learning), but I got a few that I'm so happy about and glad to have for memories sake.
Where were you when you heard of the attacks?
Did you comprehend the seriousness of the situation?
xoxo,
Mandy
I was a senior in high school in my first period Physics class. I remember hearing about it on channel one...I don't even think channel one exists anymore? I do remember hearing about your mom traveling on this day to Idaho from Kambi and I worried for her. I remember everyone in SLC thought SLC could be the next place since we were holding the 2002 Olympics. Thanks for sharing your pictures...love you!
ReplyDeleteI never realized that! That would be scary! I think I watched Channel One in Junior High. Haha. How funny. Love you!
DeleteYou are a fabulous photographer! These photos are beautiful. Makes me want to jump on a plane to come see them.
ReplyDeleteI was actually driving in a car to Idaho. The night before 9/11 I didn't feel good about flying the next morning and told Dad I wanted to drive. I had to be there by the next afternoon so I took off in the truck that night 9/10. I got sleepy about 2:30am when I got to Page so I pulled into the Walmart parking lot, climbed into the camper and went to sleep on the bed Dad had made me. The next morning I woke up about 7:30am and noticed it was really quiet everywhere. No people, no cars driving. I climbed back into the cab and started off again. I didn't pass hardly any cars. Phone service from Page to about Panguitch is really sketchy so I hadn't talked to anyone until closer to 10am when my friend Jancie Pehrson called and asked how I was still going to come with what had happened. I didn't know what she was talking about so she filled me in. I was shocked and quickly called home and Barry filled me in about how the kids were doing and how they had all watched the news that morning. The rest of the drive I listened to the news as much as I could and finally got to Janice's house and watched the replays on tv. When I got to Idaho I spent the night in a tent with my baby sis Kimeree and shared the news with her. We cried together thinking of all those who were trapped in the rubble. I won't ever forget the promptings I had the night before and how blessed I was to be able to get to Idaho to pick up Kim on time.
ReplyDeleteAh. I knew my memory was probably a little off. What an interesting experience. And I'm so grateful you are close to the spirit and recognize promptings so easily.
DeleteThat's really cool Julie! I was living in an apartment getting ready for work (you make me feel old Amanda since you were only in 6th grade!). I watched a little bit at home and since I actually made it to work a little early, I watched more on the tv there. It's crazy.
ReplyDeleteI'm no photographer but I've heard some tricks to help with the camera. The first is obviously a tripod. But you can also set your timer so that you're not trying to hold your camera still while pushing a button. Mine has a 2 sec and 10 sec timer so I set the 2 sec one and either hold it as still as I can or put it on something and hold it still there and then wait for it to take the picture. I'm not sure if either of those help. What kind of camera do you have? I LOVE your pictures!!
I have a Nikon D5100. It's still quite new. I've taken lots of pictures but haven't really had lots of time to learn how to make the pictures great. Slowly but surely! Those tips are awesome. We have the dorkiest little tripod. The timer idea is so tricky and smart. I never would have thought of that. THANKS!
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