Friday, September 9, 2011

In Someone Else's Shoes

I just caught the tail-end of it as I turned on the radio 

to help keep me awake during my long morning drive to the classroom.

via

  A local high school history teacher 

had made history with his class

on the anniversary of 9/11

by giving his students a writing exercise. 

source unknown
These young people were instructed to reflect 

via

on what they had remembered about this 

particular day

and then were challenged to put themselves in  

someone else's shoes
 

via

and write diary entries from the 

perspective of someone directly 

affected by the attacks.

via



One of his students wrote from the point of view of a passenger 

on board one of the hijacked planes. 

The entry reads as follows:

"As I look at my husband and say, 

'I love you' 

I feel my baby kick for the first 

via
and
last time." 

via



Make every moment count.



Photo credit links are provided under photos 
Minnesota Public Radio MPR Radio story can be found here

134 comments:

Wicked Faerie Queen said...

As always a lovely, heartfelt post. Thank you.

Sue

Sally@threeblondeboyz said...

Beautiful post. Thank you, Sally x

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Oh my goodness, that makes me want to weep. I know exactly where I was when 911 happened, home working and I watched every second unfold live before my eyes. I still have I images seared into my brain that I wish I could forget. My heart and prayers go out to all of the families of those who lost loved ones.

I was at ground zero on the lip of the pit where the buildings used to be 6 months after the tragedy and I can tell you it was moving, haunting and overwhelming. But that is a story for another day.

I am going to NPR to listen to this. Have a great weekend.

Fete et Fleur said...

My heart has been so heavy this week. Every year I have such a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that this really, truly happened. Thinking of you both . . . have a blessed weekend.

Love you!
Nancy

Divine Theatre said...

I hope some day we will find out what really happened on that fateful day.
My prayers are with the survivors.

Andie

French Girl in Seattle said...

Très émouvant, Sally, et certainement véridique, hélas. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Not Just a Waitress said...

update, my friend: CRYING AGAIN!!
what a touching tribute. there are so many stories and so much that is unimaginable about that day. what a great writing exercise to reflect on what others went through...and perhaps something we should take a few moments to do on the 9-11 anniversary, and every day. :)

Simplement ... said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Simplement ... said...

Chacun, chacune se souvient de l'instant où il a compris ce qui se passait ...
Souvenir à jamais gravé dans ma mémoire, tant l'effroi et la peine ont été forts.
La Vie triomphera de la Mort chère Anita ... demain est un jour de recueillement ... je penserai à l'Amérique, à toi ...
Je t'embrasse
Marie-Ange

Christel said...

I too remember exactly where I was that fateful morning, and what I was doing..My son called and told me we were being attacked by terrorists, and I could not believe my eyes and ears..I cried for days for all of the lost lives, and families effected by this tradegy..It still makes me cry..all I could say was "God help us"

moving post Anita, thank you for always making us reflect, and ponder..much love my friend, Christel

Anonymous said...

I't all so sad isn't it. Life lost, loved ones missed. I will never forget.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita...now I am in tears, I remember where we were at the time all this happened...we were having a break while JoJo was being cared for...I couldn't believe what we were seeing that evening on the news...Unbelievable...Dzintraxxo

Pierelantijntjes said...

This tragedy is something we never forget! I could not believe my eyes, when I saw what was happening. My thoughts are with all the people who lost someone they knew!
Hugs Ester

Palomasea said...

Tears in my eyes, Dearest!

You are the best example I know for this powerful lesson. With the pain come the lessons, n'est-ce pas, my dear?
Hope, compassion, love, "making every moment count".
I am forever grateful that I was given a chance to experience a late dinner at Windows on the World. It was an unforgettable evening, and it brought this entire event so much closer to home.
May there be Peace on this precious Earth.

Love you,
- Irina

Jacqueline said...

Oh, that made me gasp! I have often wondered about the multitude of feelings and last expressions. Beautiful. We have so much to be grateful for! I can't imagine having lost my loved ones in this horrific event.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

What a poignant and thought provoking post, dear friend.
Yes, life must go on, but it must be so sad for the families at this time who have lost loved ones.
We do need to make every moment count.
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend

Hugs
Carolyn

Suz said...

I cried. Beautiful, heartwrenching post.

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

This brought tears to my eyes...
What a beautiful post Anita!!!
Thank you so much for reminding to appreciate every moment with loved ones!!!
Shannon xoxo

Vær våken said...

Beautiful post, Anita! The world will never be the same! I think definitely we are closer to the rapture than we've ever been. It's exciting, but also scary thinking about all the horrible things happening around the world so frequently...Have a great weekend!!!

Love, KRistin

desde my ventana said...

Beautiful and moving post, dear Anita
Whising you a rested and happy weekend with your dear ones.

Muchos besos

Cecilia

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Anita:
What a very poignant and sad making story which encapsulates so distinctly the senseless loss of life and the agony and suffering caused to so many on that day. The victims of this, and all similar acts, remain in our thoughts for all time.

francis said...

oh you dearest ....
I will never remember the first day of school after 9/11 .
I was with my class , they were 11 and 12 year old .......
How can it be life goes on ?
My students were all waiting .....
I did not say a word but gave them all a candle and we gave the light from one to the other ...in silence . I did not need to say a thing .... Than we made paintings on wet paper with watercolour paint ..... Only the sound of the brushes in the pots filled with water ...... tinkling .....
no words ....

Martina said...

Dearest Anita, such a strong and moving post with marvellous pictures that speak their own language! Horrible things can happen to people and to all of us in the wink of an eye. At the moment i'm dealing with much unhappiness in my surroundings. A good friend of mine went to hospital with a nervous breakdowm, another is getting separeated from her husband ... Lots of talks and worries that make it hard to persue routine. I so hope you and Ruben are happy and well, and enjoy the weekend! I so admire you for getting up so early and wish i could do that. Have a gorgeous day my dear! xoxoxox

Sebab said...

Very interesting. My heart goes to all the victims of all the terror activities around the world.

Cruise Pictures

YONKS said...

Well Anita, that one got to me! As this day looms, who can fail to be moved by the stories, unheard, which are still emerging. The 11th will be a sad day, worldwide, the day when the world changed forever!

Have a peaceful weekend my dear friend :-)
Di
X

Sandra van Doorn said...

Dear Anita,this post is beautiful and moving. If i had to do the ercercise i think i would have sobbed all the way...
so yes let’s make the world more beautiful (nurture that writing dream!), let’s make every moment count
xo sandra

carmen said...

hermoso mensaje

The Dutchess said...

xoxo..

Unknown said...

Oh goodness that brought a lump to my throat

Mapi said...

It breakes My Heart !

Love to you Anita, as always.

Mapi

Pilar Abalorios said...

Vraiment magnifique combinaison des images et des mots.
Un havre de paix pour beaucoup de peine.

Cordialement

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a moving post Anita. I am sure this teacher really gave the students a different perspective on 9/11 when you actually have to try to put yourself in someone's shoes and try to imagine what they were going through. Have a great weekend, Sweetie! xo

Unknown said...

Dear Anita, my prayers are for all the American families.
Love you!
Bela

highheeledlife said...

Dearest Anita, a very heartfelt post .. and what a n amazing teacher he certainly encouraged a whole class to think of the affects the attacks had on all touched by this.
Not only were those directly involved but this most horrific attack - affected all of mankind around the world. It amazes me that the worldwide through all that has been happening, that there exists such hatred and violence... life is a precious gift, to take it for granted or to take another's life deliberately is most saddening.

May we all learn to find peace within ourselves so that we can live peaceful and in harmony with one another. Imagine what great things we could do and what a wonderful Eden this world would be.

Prayers and thoughts for all affected by tragedy. xo HHL

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Wow! What a beautiful post!

RDA Pony Tales said...

Dearest Anita
Such a moving post. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who suffered on that day.... they will never be forgotten.

Bless you Anita, you found time to visit me and Spotty and write your kind words. And after a long day at work when you must be so tired... thank you!
Sending a warm furry hug from Spotty and I wish you a restful weekend. Abby xx

Jules said...

Dear Anita: I am new to your blog but find it stunningly beautiful and inspiring. This post, however, is most moving. Thank you for the time that you put into your work.

Jules

mwaxter said...

Wow Anita, this is amazing. I dont' think anyone will ever forget where they were the moment our world changed forever. I know I won't. I will always quietly honor those who lost their lives on this horrific day as well as keep their families whose lives changed forever in my prayers.
This excercise is not only incredible but should be a mandatory writing exercise for all students across America as a way to honor those who lost their lives and to remember this day feeling humbly blessed to be alive. I think its amazing and will actually be emailing my sons own English teacher to make the suggestion that she do the same. Wonderful Anita!

mwaxter said...

PS Love your blog, newly discoverd it!

Rattus Scribus said...

911 was a day of many things:

Of inhumanity to be sure.

And then of shock and confusion, fear and panic, heartbreak and inconsolable tears, questions, anger, on-the-fly answers and defensive mobilization, promises of justice and retribution.

And then, slowly, as stories began to filter in through the media, family, friends and friends of friends:

of courage despite fear, prayer despite religious and political differences, giving without asking for recognition or reward, and love despite every reason not to.

Thank you for this beautiful post.

Ruben

Unknown said...

This is one of those post that there is no words to be found to comment, just remember and never forget.

georgia ~ gi gi said...

I remember everything about that day. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years.
This was a beautiful tribute Anita. Of course I wouldn't expect anything less from you.
I love what your husband had to say. It sure was and is filled with so many different emotions.
Hope you and Ruben have a wonderful weekend.
Lots of love to you
gi gi

koralee said...

What a lovely tribute my friend....I think we all remember that day so well....for me that day was my youngest daughters first day of grade one...I wanted to bring her home and never let her go.

Happy weekend...enjoy your lovely weather..and yes..I am so ready for next week...see you soon. xoxoxo

Denise said...

Anita,This is so touching.I had to read it twice.Talented student breaks my heart.He gets an A+.You are in my last post-I know it has to be you.Do you recognize yourself?I'm sure it's you.Love Denise

Denise said...

Red roses and red gloves-Yes it's YOU!

It's me said...

What a beautiful post...my prayers are for all the American people today...love love from me...xxx...xxx...xxx....

The Shade Shop, Inc. said...

There are no words I can express...."Lord, behold my heart..."

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

Simply beautiful, Anita.
Your words are heartfelt...
A country torn forever emotionally and desperate for healing, long after this anniversary is over.
Thank God we are such a strong nation...
Tomorrow is a day all Americans will remember forever, honoring those who perished and those who sacrificed their lives as they rose in service for their country.
Thank you for another thought provoking, beautiful post, my dear friend.
Lisa xoxo

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Wow...very powerful. I think after watching so much coverage of the 10th anniversary coming up we tend to put ourselves in the places of these lost souls and what their last thoughts and words were. So true...make everyday, every moment count!~Hugs, Patti

A Tale of Two Cities said...

Such a poignant thought. It's been so stirring this week to see and hear the stories once again. May God bless and protect our country in the days to come.

Palomasea said...

Thank you, my Dear, for your sweet visit and words. Just love it when you come by! I do hope you and Ruben will visit Duluth one day. Let me know, I'll give you my tips:)

Love to you,
- Irina

C'est moi Claudette said...

You know exactly how to make things better.
Every little small thought and message helps.
xoxoxoxoxo

Privet and Holly said...

I have felt
the approaching
anniversary as
a black cloud on
the horizon, so
your umbrella
metaphors are not
lost on me. May
God have mercy on
those that perished
and those left behind.
I still cry just
thinking about it;
it's so BIG.
Poignant musings, Anita.

xx Suzanne

Gem said...

Exceptionally moving post. Can't believe another anniversary is almost upon us all, of this horrific event.

This made my eyes sting to read it.


much love

Gem x x

*Susycottage* said...

Oh Anita,
it was that terrible day.
A nightmare, here in Italy we were
all shocked, everyone cried for all
the dead, here too we remember them every year.
Beautiful words you wrote,
I was moved.
a hug
Suzy x

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Your beautiful tribute to those lost brought tears.. So many lives changed forever in an instant. Hold on tight to those you love my dear friend. Thank you for such a heartfelt post.
Love,
Penny

Anne said...

oh my... that student's essay is giving me chills. What a stunning evocation of the human cost of that horrible day.

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Bonsoir ma chere amie, you made a beautiful touching post, as always you do. I must write the words Make every moment count down. And hang it somewhere in my home.
Everywhere around the world people will be thinking of 9/11 on 9/11. All together.
Much love always xxxx

Burlap Luxe said...

LARMES Soulful.

Un triste jour pour une nation de larmes.

Se souvenant de dire à quelqu'un qu'ils sont aimés
bisous
xoxo
Dore

Soulful TEARS.
Anita this is beautiful!


Remembering to tell someone they are loved
xoxo
Dore

DolceDreams said...

Speechless...
thank you for sharing
xo
Nathalie

Stephanie said...

oh, my! I was at home in NY, with my babies when the attacks happened, having taken the day off. An altogether indescribable day.

Red Rose Alley said...

You definately know how to stir the hearts of so many people. Your words are so thoughtful, and it is a glorious reminder to always cherish the ones we love. Thank you for that.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Deana Sidney said...

I lived in Park SLope Brooklyn at the time. My 9am appointment in the city had cancelled so I was watching the morning news program. It was a sunny day. When they said an airplane had crashed into the WTC accidentally, my first thought was... are you kidding? It would be almost impossible to do that unless you wanted to. The second one made it for sure and then there was smoke... I couldn't see the towers themselves from my terrace...smoke. Later a wail of such unimaginable pain from a neighbor whose husband was in the towers... ripped through my heart. All the neighbors on the street... stricken and numb. You don't forget days like that. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be on the plane. Beautiful story... remarkable empathy from that child.

Pray for all the lost souls tomorrow, souls lost from that crash, and the wars they caused, souls lost from breathing the foul air of the act-- poisoning the brave ones who tried to help... so many, so many.

Pray that it will not happen again

Victoria Sayer said...

Too sad...yes, we in Australia also remember and share your grief and heartache at what transpired on this day ten years ago. Has it really been ten years?? My goodness, time goes so fast. Anita your blog post is a fitting tribute, beautifully done, as usual.

Stacey said...

Beautiful Anita!
I was listening to similar airings on NPR while driving to school too! I actually had the idea for my second graders to do something similar that was age appropriate, but emphasizing empathy. Sept 11 will always be etched in all of our minds and hearts.
How are you ma belle? It's been forever, and i know you know how busy and crazy my life is right now. But, i am still grateful for so much... I hope that you're having a wonderful return back to school. We've been having so many meetings after school each day- it's unbelievable. I hope things calm down soon and of course i have the little one's arrival to look forward to next month. Such blessings abound! Love you my sweet friend. A big, big and warm hug to you. XX

M.A. the 2nd ~ Frances Russell said...

Dearest Anita .... as I sit here I am listening to "May It Be" from the Lord of the Rings on your ipod and the tears are welling as I read these beautiful tragic words .... my baby kicked for the first and last time .... make every moment count..... what an incredibly inciteful quest the history teacher set for the class. So incredible that these students could be in another's shoes on that day and realize how fragile and fleeting life is and that it is a gift. It also makes me realize that from that terrible, terrible inconceivable tragedy came out of the ashes a real communion of humankind. The world was stunned and horrified by such terror and this sentiment came from all religions and cultures and I could not comprehend or fathom how it would have been nor how one could survive it. Those who didn't became our loved ones even though we had never met them and we connected with them and the tragedy they endured and the pain and suffering reverberated around the world. From this we must take the valuable lesson of the fragility of life and even though this happened there are good people in the world and we must reach out to them and hold hands and stay strong against these terrible acts and we will prevail. I believe together we can survive and we can find peace .... my best wishes to you dear friend and our thoughts from Australia are with you all in America on this day.
Frances

Liz Symonds said...

Hmmmm...what a tender thought. I can not begin to imagine the terror those poor souls endured.
This day has always held a special place in my heart, as it is my fathers birthday.
Dearest, I still have a house FULL of company, but thought I would just pop my head in the back door and call GOOD MORNING!!!! Have a Blessed day dearest...xoxox...Rosie

fee @ chipper nelly said...

a beautiful, touching tribute to all those who remain in our thoughts, especially today.
fee ♥

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Every single moment!

Grosses bises! Sherry

Kerri said...

I don't think any of us will forget where we were or what we were doing. My boss lost his son-in-law. It was a very sad day for us Americans. Your post is a reminder to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us.

Have a blessed week!

xoxo
Kerri

scrapbookertink said...

Precious tribute, thoughts and prayers for all those who lost loved one's I will never forget that fateful day and will remember always the sorrow of so many. Take care, Doreen x

Judith said...

Dear Anita,
We Brits are thinking of our American cousins today, and share your grief.Ida xxxOOO

The enchanted home said...

This is so poignant, Anita. What an incredibly moving and thought provoking powerful exercise that teacher assigned. I wonder what we ALL would write about if given the same assigment.

I will never ever forget those moments of that fateful morning, it still feels surreal to me and I am always moved to tears and a very sad place when I think of all the innocent lives lost and the families that were torn apart in the most horrific way possible.

We must all make a pledge to open our minds and hearts to understanding, tolerating and accepting so that this unspeakable tragedy will never ever repeat itself not only here in the U.S. but in the entire world. Thank you this beauitful post.

"Create Beauty" said...

What an awesome writing assignment, to write from anothers perspective... which is what all novel writers do, but this event was not fiction and even more important for these students, to think and feel and see ~ and put it into words.

Your post here is so touching Anita. Thank you.

~ Violet

koralee said...

Good morning dear one...guess what I am doing today? PACKING! Happy dance...I fly your way Tuesday.

Talk to you soon. Have a wonderful Sunday. xoxo

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

I have been avoiding thinking too much about this day.
Lower Manhattan was my neighborhood, and I worked in Tower 1 ( but fortunately was long gone by 2001). To this day, I am haunted by it all...
Your reminder is so gentle and beautiful. Thank you.

Karen Xavier said...

Nice tribute, the words written by that student was poignant... touching. God bless all those who suffered and lost their lives..

Martina said...

Thank you for coming Anita, and sending well wishes for my friends ... We all need friendship and warmth so much and you're such a kind and loving spirit, who always lifts others up! Hope your sunday is relaxing and peaceful. Mine is, and i enjoy it! xox

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

A piece of our hearts broke that morning. It breaks again today as I have watched the sons and daughters and parents of those who were lost that day. This was so beautiful Anita... thank you for such a very special tribute to what we are all sharing today.

xo

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

That music and that moment with the kick pricked my tears. This was profoundly beautiful. Thank-you and blessings.

Sylvia said...

Thinking of all those who lost their lives and are protecting our freedom. May we never forget.
Thank you !

Karena said...

So poignant Anita, I am so fortunate to have you as a friend. Indeed aren't we all so very fortunate.

In loving memory.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

I have a fabulous Giveaway from Interieurs I hope you will come visit!

Dawne Boynton Polis said...

Oh, Anita, this is a beautiful post. And what a wonderful assignment that teacher gave. I have to tell you, I've been glued to Fox for two days as they covered every possible aspect of this sad anniversary. Reading that student's response to the prompt added to my appreciation for those on the hijacked planes. I DID put myself in their shoes a few times today. Wondering if I would have the courage and the faith that they showed in those last moments...
XXOOdawne

Maria said...

Ok, Anita,
My eyes are FILLED with tears.
What an amazing post!
The music is enchanting too ~ bringing more tears.

I can only imagine and wish that they felt God near to them during those last moments.
Evil is powerful, but the love of God triumphs over all
~ ♥ ~

God bless you, Anita, you bring so much to our world with your open heart ♥

~Maria

Deborah said...

When one weeps, we all weep...
so sad xo

Deborah xoxoxo

francis said...

last week lots of documentaries about 9/11 overhere .
yesterday when the names were pronounced one-by-one .........
I love the monument that has been made with the water falling/streaming . And all the names on the outside .
Art can comfort in a way beyond words ....
I love you are my friend even though we have never seen eachother !
Have a week with art !

Barbara said...

Astounding what that student came up with, isn't it? And unbearably sad.
It certainly was a day to remember and remind us to make every moment count.
We forget with our busy lives.

GwendolynKay said...

Dear Anita,
A lovely tribute... I am so saddened yet over this event.
Blessings to you.

Martina said...

Anita, oh, you should travel to Austria one day! I have spent all my childhood summers there, because my grandparents lived there, and now my parents - practical, huh? Hope your day was fine. I'm tired - maybe because of the warm and humid weather we have here. Wil go into the garden a bit! xx

Style Diary Of A Fashion Fanatic said...

Hi Anita!!!!
Hope you had a wonderful weekend!!!
I always love the start of autumn when it's still warm but you see the leaves begin to turn colors.
Love this post so much!!!!
Shannon xo
http://fashiondiarylooks4.blogspot.com

George The Lad said...

Hi Anita
I read your post on Saturday, but at the time didn't know what to put in the comment, we should all put ourselves in someone else's shoes, the world might be a better place.
I for one will not forget that day.
Have a good week
Love and Hugs to you all
Jan and George xxx

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Hi Anita, I invited myself in for another cup of tea together ;)
I hope your Monday is a lovely one and the week ahead will bring you lots of happy, calming, magical, precious moments.
Beaucoup de bisous de moi

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Nita!!!! I AM HERE!!!!grin!

Oh Nita this post has a special touch in my heart.. i almost cried when i read it.

10 years ago at that day, mark was flying back from london . he wanted to surprise me and the small children and cancelled his trip to France and came back 2 days earlier.
He was flying when the attack happened.
i didn't know. i could reach him for almost 4 days during that time.
his plane was diverted to New Filand, and in his plane the US marshals apreended 2 males with false passaports, and one way ticket.
Mark did not come home for 2 weeks.
I did not loose him but still feels so bad when i think how i felt.
imagine these people that lost loved ones....
yes, yes, everyday is a special day to be lived and remenbered!

chateaudelille said...

Oh this was too sad to read and think about. My stomach hurts so much. I think its a fabulous teacher with a clever assignment to help the students really get "IT". Let us pray that nothing as horrific ever happens again.Fiona

Ann said...

That is one heartwarming post Anita...

Sad but feartfelt ♥

LuLu Kellogg said...

What a truly heartfelt post dearest Anita.

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

francis said...

Oh Anita something so wonderful has happened !
Look on my blog ! Big hug

Anonymous said...

Mon Ami
a high school student
wrote this?
such a deep soul
could only feel that!
i wish we could follow
that young one thru the
years and see how he/she
impacts the world...
BEAR HUGS
~victoria~

Vær våken said...

Dear Anita, I'm so glad you have had summer a long time. About two weeks ago the wind and rain took over here - not very nice actually! But when the sun is shining I so appreciate it! I look forward to a blue sky and sunny days! Fall is lovely!

xoxo

Mapi said...

Hello dear Anita.
How was School today ?
I wish you sweet dreams for tonight!
Love as always.
Mapi

Anonymous said...

Hi Anita,
Ces photos sont magnifiques!
J'aime beaucoup l'envol des parapluies de toutes les couleurs!
Romantique le paquet de lettres!
Bises

wendy said...

wow...what a great class assignment
that student was very insightful

and.............so true
there is a FIRST TIME
followed
by a LAST TIME

and so....life goes on. Sometimes we wonder HOW
but it does
and I guess so must we

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Anita, I am moved by the writing assignment and the submission of this one student. Noting the words written in the margin by her teacher, I do hope that she will continue to exercise her gift.

Bises,
Genie

Poppies and Sunshine said...

Wow, this post is so powerful! Thank you for sharing this, Anita!
I love the idea of making every moment count. I try to. When reflecting on a tragedy, such as September 11, it is humbling and inspiring to live each moment that we have with purpose. It should also be a reminder to appreciate those that we love around us. It is so easy to get stuck in a rut and take the people we love most for granted at times, but events like this should remind us that we should never take anything or anyone for granted.

It must be so hard to get up at 3:30 every day! I don't know how you do it! But, I appreciate that you can still blog and share your wonderful thoughts and ideas with us all. I hope your week is going wonderfully! Lots of love to you!
xoxo

Kirsten Steen said...

What a beautiful idea! And thank you for putting it out there for those of us who missed the broadcast!
Kirsten

YONKS said...

Morning Darling!
I was only just thinking the same thing about those bone china cups. I never really appreciated them until now and I think it's because I am becoming an antique myself. I always thought of them as something granny would use, but it's like I've discovered a new friend. They are wonderful to hold.
How is you week going? Great I hope!
Di
X

Tiff said...

Dear Anita! Your words move me as always! You know as a fellow teacher it is always amazing to hear how others press their students to think more deeply and look at the world from a new perspective... just as your words and images always inspire new insights for me! X

jerilanders said...

I think I am going to cry....
It can be a good exercise to walk in some one else's shoes

Cindy said...

You always have such an elegant way of bring words to life. This is a very heart touching story. It was such a tragic day and we can't forget....however, the living must live each day like it is the last. (something I must remember to do...)

Martina said...

Anita, just want to wish you a happy midweek! Hope you've been adjusting well to getting up early again. I took the afternoon of today to visit another blogger, and it was such fun! Wish you could have been there too. Have a fabulous evening!

Anonymous said...

Anita...yes, you always do deliver the posts that will touch my heart strings....I wish I knew you in the flesh, but alas your digital presence will have to suffice!

miss you...I know you must be so busy being back to school now...and I'm sure that your students all want to be teacher's pet! you must be such an inspiration to each and every one of them.

ciao bella

Creative Carmelina

Bring Pretty Back said...

I have no words.
Kristin

Anonymous said...

Love this post. :)

June said...

We just must make every minute count! We never know when it will be our turn.
I love this post my sweet friend.
hugs from here...

Julie@beingRUBY said...

HI Dear Anita
Well that day is burned in my memory... and this essay is such a bittersweet reflection of the sad and senseless losses that occurred.. lovely tribute.. the post and the essay

Well I came to visit you the other day but couldn't find the comments button.. must have been the jet lag doing a number on me..

Have a lovely week and thanks for your kind comments my way.. ciao xxx Julie

Christmas-etc... said...

Every minute of every day is so very important... we honestly don't know if it will be our last chance to do all that we must do and say all that we must say...while here on this precious earth...
Blessings to you dear Anita...
I hope this school year is one of great joy and wonder for you!
Ann

RDA Pony Tales said...

DEAREST ANITA.... THANK YOU!
How I would love to see the Cavalia show and the magnificent horses!
We have a big horse at the riding centre that is used for vaulting, but I am sadly not fit enough to participate! The horses used for the Cavalia show are so beautiful, and I would love the opportunity to ride one. I am however, VERY HAPPY and content to ride my dear Spotty :)
I do hope your week at school is
going well and thank you SO much for thinking of me. I really appreciate the link to the Cavalia and have so
enjoyed watching their video.
Take care and I hope you have a lovely weekend. Love and hugs from,
Abby and Spotty xx

amy b.s. said...

i have chills.

The PvdH Journal said...

What a beautiful post! and the music... Memories from that day jsut came rushing back...

Dovecote Decor said...

That was beautiful, as evidenced by your kazillion comments. That student has some major empathy going on and will be a writer one day, I predict. I've been slammed all August, come visit. My website has a huge sale, so FB all your friends for us--please.
Best,
Liz

Gorgeous Glam said...

Wow so touching! And I love that your writing exercise was reflective of what they remembered and felt. You are awesome! xo -Taj

The PvdH Journal said...

I cannot remember exactly how I stumbled into your blog, but I love clicking through blogs to discover new ones! I am a regular at lovely Sandra's blog - so perhaps it was through her!

Virginia said...

Precious words for us dear one. I wish I had your gift.
merci
V

helen tilston said...

Dearest Anita
I am now catching up on my blogs, having just returned from Ireland. Again you have published a brilliant, powerful and sincere post.
I hope the weekend bring you joy and rest and that you find some time for yourself.
Hugs
Helen xx

Aldy said...

Oooh...I absolutely love this post, Anita! Such a wonderful words and inspiration. I was moved with emotion. And I agree... we have to make every moment count.

BTW, Love that song from Lord of The Rings :)

Hugs <3

Aldy.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Anita,

Hope that life is going well for you dear friend and that you are getting back into the swing of the your new school year again.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead.

Hugs
Carolyn

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Takes my breath away and makes me stop in my tracks! Life is so precious! All life... everyone!
Thanks for posting this!
Yvonne

Martina said...

Anita, so you're going to meet Koralee this weekend - how fun! Would love to be there with all of you and share ideas and laughter! Give her a hug from me, will you? The one i met was Barbara, from fashion art and other fancies. We instantly felt like old friends and had such a great afternoon. Am so looking forward to the weekend too, time to breathe out after a very interesting but also strenuous week! Love!

"Create Beauty" said...

Thinking of you today my dear!!!!

with love

~ Violet

designchic said...

Oh my, how chilling. Such a day that is ingrained in my memory - watched with the rest of the world as the horror unfolded...hope you have a lovely weekend, Anita ~

A Magical Whimsy said...

How poignant of a post this is. A friend of ours woke up on 9/11 saw that his family was watching T.V. and he made the comment "Is this a new movie? I haven't seen this one before." As he stood there seeing the two twin towers going up in smoke. And they said "No. This is not a movie. It's happening right now." I think that was the reaction of many people...it didn't seem possible or real, and yet it was the raw truth, the unthinkable happening on the soil of the United States of America.

Ainhoa said...

Precioso blog, me ha encantado.
Un beso
Ainhoa
www.losangelestambienvistendeprada.com

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Hi Anita,

I absolutely adore the images you choose. Aren't they beautiful.

But what a sad post to have to write. I find it so tragic that humans hurt each other. It's hard to truly understand why, isn't it?

Sarahx

~CC Catherine said...

Too many tears my friend to comment. :*(

xoxo
~CC