(Apologies to Alan Jackson for stealing his song title.)
I was sitting in a chapel service at work -- we had weekly Tuesday chapel services. Our superintendent left the service at some point, having been informed of what was going on. He returned and announced to us all the details he knew. In stunned silence, we returned to our offices and huddled around radios. You couldn't even get online the Internet was so jammed. Next we were all calling family members everywhere. Before long, an announcement was made sending us all home.
I watched the the news all day, holding tightly to my Big A, who was then my Little A -- just about to turn 3.
Where were you? What do you remember?
I adore the song lyrics by Alan Jackson:
"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
The greatest is love
The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
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I was in my college Art course, my professor explained the situation and told us MTSU cancelled classes for the remainder of the day. I went home and turned on the TV. It was about that time that your brother called me. He was worried about me. I was amazed at his sweetness even then because it had been MONTHS since we had talked before that. The rest of the day was a blur, I don't remember it.
ReplyDeleteI was on my way to work and dropping Aubrey off at her high school. We heard on the radio and were stunned. I dropped her off and proceeded to work where we sat dumbfounded in front of the TV. I hadn't realized how it had impacted Aubrey and later learned she sluffed school that day and mourned with friends. I wish she had shared her feelings with me. I would not have made her go to school! Always regrets as a mom...
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