Keep Moving

What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

Twenty five years takes my breath. I know exactly where I was and what I was doing. Getting ready for work and yelling at my kids (son 12 yr, daughter 10 yr, and daughter 8 yr)to hurry up to leave. I was in the kitchen. TV morning news KVIA was on. I heard the announcement of an incident in New York Twin Towers. I paused. I turned to view a live view of the Twin Towers. Seconds later I watched the second plane hit the second tower. My breath stopped. My shock shook me. I immediately knew we were under attack.  My next thoughts were “Where’s the next attack? Do I go to my training for Americorps? Do I take my kids to school?” By then my kids were in the living room. They were witnessing America under attack.

I checked with my group, and I had to report to training.  I took my kids to school. I listened to the radio for reports. I looked at Juarez as I drove to the Westside. What would stop terrorists from invading from there? I was almost in a panick thinking I would not see my kids again. The whole point of an institution, such as a school, is to meet basic needs. My kids were safe and with people they knew. Their teachers became a compassionate force of strength.  They were also away from their families.  I prayed my kids were not panicking and afraid like I was. I never want them to feel what I went through.

It was a long, long day. I picked up my kids after work. After staying a bit with my parents, I drove us home. TV was on the news.  I eventually walked outside my apartment about 10 pm. It was dark. It was quiet.  I looked up. I knew there were no planes. Not since the Wright Brothers had the skies been without a plane. I dont know why that thought came to me. Maybe, its the historian in me that I’ve always  been. I could see the stars. 

Americans from every nationality, creed, religion,  gender, ethnicity turned to President Bush. I didn’t vote for him. But, at that moment in time, I stood by him. Personal differences had to be left out. The composure in front of 2nd graders showed me he knew time and place for politics.

Today, People all over the nation paid tribute to the lives lost to this infamous attack. UTEP opened the Sun Bowl for anyone to walk the thousands of steps in tribute. It started in the morning.  I wanted to go. I have an injury on my leg so my priority was my health.

I went to teach. I taught my students about 9/11. There’s so much to tell. There’s so much to view. One question that came up was ,”Why attack New York?” That’s leads to rocky soil means you can’t grow, however there are ports and harbors. That lead to trade. I also told them how it impacted El Paso. The border was shut down. No one or anything was allowed to move. For my students, families come and go all the time on the bridges. If you lived in Juarez, you were stuck here and vice versa.  That struck home with my students. How would you get home? How long til you get home? Who would watch the kids? What about my job?

As I finished the day, I reflected on a family trip to Boston and New York City in 2002. It was a huge family trip. We went to see history and talked with the firefighters that were alive from the attack. New firefighters had joined. It was a good thing to hear and see them. They’re hospitality was a show of strength and compassion to us Texas and Arizona folks.

So my question to you is What Will You Prioritize?  Will you get in shape to do the 1000 steps at aUTEP in 2027? Will you post to all the families that lost their loved ones “I will honor your lovedone”? Will you donate to charities?  Help where you can despite anyone’s nationality n creed, ethnicity, religion, and gender?

Start now. Live everyday one day at a time. Forgive if you fail.  Tell yourself “My priority is ….” Your success includes rest, reflection, acknowledgement, action, and praise.

Until next week,  your life is already in live view. Smile for the camera!