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A Place Where Fun and Fancy Crash Into One Beautiful Work of Heart

Saturday, September 10, 2011

9-11 Tenth Anniversary Remembrance Blog Hop


9/11 Remembrance Blog Hop

Welcome to a blog hop devoted to the remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th. 
If you just happened upon my blog, then you should go back to the beginning with Tami's blog at http://tamboscreations.blogspot.com/  

The terrorist attack against our nation, which happened a decade ago, is a long time for some.  However for many, the day feels all too close. The deeply seared memories of the human sufferings and acts of heroism, which took place on that day, changed our nation.

The nation was in shock when terrorists decided to hijack our airplanes and turn them into weapons.  It was beyond anyone’s belief that something so horrific could happen on our own soil.  It would be one thing if it were just the destruction of the Twin Towers or damage to the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, PA, but almost 3,000 people perished from the attack, leaving a scar on the soul of America.

Americans came together as one, in the emotional aftermath of 9-11. We were united by grief, had compassion for those who died along with their families, and showed loyalty to our country.

Please join the country in a moment of silence on Sunday morning, at 8:46 (Eastern Time). This should be a time to reflect on what we all lost, as well as on the courage and common purpose that lived and still resides, deep within the American people.

10 of us blogging friends would like you to join in this day of remembrance, by stopping by each blog to see a project made for the tenth anniversary of 9-11.

If you get lost along the way, here is the lineup:
  1. Tami - http://tamboscreations.blogspot.com/  
  2. Lynne - http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/  
  3. Vicki - http://mawmawsthoughts.blogspot.com/
  4. Amy - http://www.lovetocrop.com
  5. Nicole- http://crashingcreatively.blogspot.com/ <<YOU ARE HERE>>
  6. Lisa - http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com/ <<YOUR NEXT STOP>>
  7. Susan: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
  8. Lynda - http://memoriesintyme.blogspot.com/
  9. Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
  10. Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

Your next stop on the hop is Lisa at   http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com/

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was only a week into my new job as a teacher in Central New Jersey.  My fiance' and I lived with my son, in Staten Island.  We had only recently moved in together as a blended family.  He was and is the love of my life.  My commute each morning took me over the Outerbridge Crossing and into NJ.  My son, Justin, was 6.  Fortunately, and with God's great hand in all things, he was permitted to go to my school in NJ, even though we lived in NY.  It was about 8:11 AM the morning of September 11th and I just had spoken to my fiance', Joe, who worked in the second Tower.  I told him to have a great day at work and that I loved him. He said the same. Then I went out on hall duty.  Once my homeroom began at 8:30, it was business as usual.  About 20 minutes later, a secretary rushed into my classroom to tell me that a plane had crashed into the Twin Towers.  I went numb.  My knees felt weak.  It felt like slow motion walking to my cell phone and dialing the numbers to his phone.  No dial tone.  No ring.  All circuits were busy.  

Through God's grace, I made it through those next few hours with a class full of first graders keeping my mind and hands busy.  My son was there in school with me safe.  Three hours later, and I still had no answer on whether or not Joe was alive.   By three o'clock that afternoon, the secretaries called me into the office.  Joe was on the phone.  He was ok, safe.  He had felt the first tremor of the plane strike and instinctively yelled for everyone to evacuate.  They listened to him, thank God.  He was standing outside looking up at the horror of the plane crash igniting the flames in the first struck tower when the second plane crashed.  What he described to me I will never forget- and he won't either. He made it out of the city seconds before they closed the bridges.  He made it home.  Although my son and I were stuck in NJ for two days with no way to get into New York (all of the bridges were closed), we were all safe and God had kept us calm in the face of evil and horrific circumstance.  I still replay those images shown from the television newscasts that day.  But while my heart prays for those that lost loved ones and friends, it also prays thanksgiving that Joe is alive.  Today we have three beautiful sons that are our greatest reward.  I am blessed and thankful.  But I will never, ever forget....

My project is a scrapbook page to document the ten year anniversary of the events that transpired that day, and how all of our lives were forever changed.  I think this is so important, especially as I start a new school year and my students are so young that they don't know what Patriot's Day is or what we are remembering. My children will know because their father was there and they are here because he is still with us. 

 The paper is Michelle Anderson's PATHWAYS Creative Paper: Americana Stack



Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me the opportunity to share my memories of this life-altering event. My thoughts and prayers go out to the many families and people who are grieving on this day and have been for the last ten years.   

30 comments:

  1. As I read your story I was reminded that while I was touched by all of this, in reality I was not really "touched" by it..Not in the sense that you and all of those families were. I live about 10 miles from Wright Patterson Air Force base and am reminded daily that a catastrophe could happen any day that could directly effect me and my family. God has blessed your family and I am thankful that you have that blessing to hold deep in your heart.

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  2. Wow you have done such a great job. we will never forget what happened. I was taking my kids to school when this took place and it was the hardest day ever. thanks for sharing your beautiful work.
    abbraddock@msn.com

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  3. Your story is...well, there are no words. I don't know how you stayed at school all day and kept calm. I don't think I could have and all the what if's that would have been going on afterwards. Wow. You're layout is beautiful and captures your story.

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  4. What a beautiful tribute and powerful story. We all need to take a moment and count our blessings and remember...

    Patti Ross
    www.pattilynncreations.blogspot.com
    rossfam@wildblue.net

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  5. omg - how touching and beautiful.. i can't even imagine the feeling and thoughts. we had a friend who was visiting all those areas and we had no idea where she was.. she saw the pentagon hit as she was there. she is safe too. what an emotional blog hop... thanks for sharing!!
    parkernana5@cox.net

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  6. I have no words to say....your story is amazing and I am so happy that yours had a wonderful outcome. God bless you and your family and thank you for sharing your 9/11 story!
    Tracy
    jtg0398(at)sbcgloal(dot)net

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  7. So close to harm, things could have turned out so different for you - though I am sure you know THAT! Hugs to you and your family on this day! Wow...I think that's all I can say! I have been honored to hop with you...Lyndajinco at gmail.com from www.memoriesintyme.blogspot.com

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  8. What a beautiful tribute! I can't even imagine the terror you felt not being able to contact your fiance'. That horrific event scared me for life but not as deeply as those directly affected. Thank you for sharing your story and your personal tribute.
    Staci
    staci412 {@} optonline {.} net

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  9. what an amazing job you did in the commemoration of this day in history..I have decided I will not be sad or cry this day..juts honor and be honored to say this is my home and love and pray for those that protect it

    cathie
    scraphappycat@gmail.com

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  10. I love your layout. May God bless you and your family to effectively share the pain but more importantly His hand of mercy that protects and heals. I praise God that He is who He says He is!

    Thanks for sharing such wonderful inspiration and the chance to win.

    Christel
    http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com
    askscrappinsista (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  11. I must say that this I just beautiful, you did a wonderful job. Good Bless!
    Hugs,
    Kathy
    http://the3esblog.blogspot.com/

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  12. Nicole, first let me say thank you for joining in on my hop today. Your L/O is wonderful. I started reading your post without realizing what it would be about. I have to say you kept me in suspense of the outcome and was starting to feel a little anxious. I can't imagine waiting for that call of relief and how many more people went through that same feeling that day just waiting to hear from their loved one. Life is so precious, enjoy your family to the fullest. They have more meaning to you than most people you meet in life will ever know. tfs Tami
    Tambo's Creations

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  13. So thankful your story had a happy ending. Love the pictures you chose for your layout-so uplifting, promising. Great job!--Pat N.

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  14. Glad to hear a survivor's story from that tragic day. I live on the west coast and it was unreal seeing it on the TV on the morning news shows. I thought it was a special effect scene from a movie.
    Kathy
    Katsews at gmail dotcom

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  15. Wow....I'm close to tears....what a touching story. I'm so glad your husband dwas safe. Your project is beautiful! TFS

    Jenny
    jennykingham at att dot net

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  16. Thank you for sharing your story and you projects. They are so beautiful and heartfelt. I think it's important to leave reminders behind of what that day was like.

    http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/ or racincrafts at aim dot com

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  17. So glad your story had a great outcome. It must still be hard to see the void where the towers used to be. thank you for sharing your story and your project.
    mexicopetshop at hotmail dot com
    cathyplus5.blogspot.com

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  18. Thank you for sharing your story. Your pages are stunning. TFS

    God Bless you and all in the world who have lost loved ones through Acts of Terror, Acts of War or any Act of Hate and Malice.

    Kathryn
    http://www.creationswithkathryn.com

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  19. I don't know what to say other than I am very very thankful that you and hour family are safe. God is good! Amen. I am very glad to have met you and learned this tragic part of your life. I am very glad to be hopping with you.
    God Bless
    Lynne
    Her Craftiness
    http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

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  20. Counting out blessings every day and will never forget.
    alisha.moorenielsen@gmail.com
    http://scrappin-happens.blogspot.com/

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  21. My dear friend I can totally relate with all the emotions you felt that day. I had them myself. Your layout was amazing and I love your picture choices. TFS it.

    Happy Scrappin'

    Sue B
    http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

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  22. What an inspiring story of fath and love. Thanks you for sharing it. I cnnot even begin to imagine what you allwent through tha day My horror pales in comparison!
    Hug Blog hugs! *Janet*
    http://ladyluvbug.blogspot.com/

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  23. Great layout,Thank you for sharing story,joydee1963 at yahoo dot com

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  24. Great layout. Beautiful story. We can all say GOD IS GOOD.
    annadowdy at gmail dot com

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  25. Great layout. You did a great job on them.

    www.brittneyscricutcreations.blogspot.com

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  26. Hello, I am follower #30. I love your layout! It is very nice! I am glad you used the photos and the cartoon you did for your layout. My heart goes out to all who lost someone. Your story was about to make me cry. I am thankful your future husband make it out safely. Thanks for sharing. Edwina Brown edwinabrown@comcast.net

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  27. Oh wow the stories are just heartening.. thank you god for keeping your family safe. Wow such a fabulous project!! ....
    What a beautiful tribute to 9-11 and all of the fallen, & hero's , I was home that morning with my newborn watching the news! I really thought it was a movie for a bit until I switched the channel to fine that same movie on again. I just sat in Aww most of the day crying for all of those lost and for there loved ones. What a super idea for a blog hop .
    Deborah { scrappingmamma } http://www.scrappingmamma.net
    Ustoleit@comcast.net

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  28. So grateful that Joe was safe!! How horrible to go all day not knowing!! Thank you for sharing your story! He, too, is a 9/11 hero as he led many to safety!!

    Love your layout!!

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  29. Your layout is so beautiful. Reading your story brought tears to my eyes. You are so incredibly lucky that your family was so close to danger and was kept safe. By the grace of God your family was protected. Thank you for sharing your memories and your life with us.

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  30. Your project and story are so moving. What a blessing! We have the fireman with the angel picture at our house. My husband was a fireman for 30 years in California. Would love to invite you to enter your project in the 9-11 challenge at Sweet Sassy Diva http://sweetsassydiva-gspot.blogspot.com/2011/09/lets-roll.html Your project is a wonderful tribute. Hope you will join the first challenge on SSD.

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