A Little Pear Tree with a Big Message

Spon: www.cailorfleming.com/ https://chickfilasouthernpark.com/ https://www.hbkcpa.com/consultants/james-dascenzo/ Ps 84 How lovely is your dwelling place Lord mighty God!

Here it is, once again.

Patriot Day. A date on which we commemorate one of the very darkest days in our nation's history.

The day of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil: September 11, 2001.

Every year, on this day, we all remember exactly where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing on that horrific day.

I remember my 21-month-old baby boy bouncing around the house in his blue, footed pajamas; begging me to watch "Barney" as I fought to retain composure in front of him while watching the second plane hit the first tower of the World Trade Center IN REAL TIME.

I believe my go-to reaction was to offer a cookie. What can I say? Italians throw food at almost every problem, Capisce?

As the day unfolded, so did the destruction, death, fear, ugliness, and heartbreak.

In the years since, hundreds of thousands of commemorative celebrations, documentaries, re-enactments, and various other displays of honor and memorial have emerged, great and small, in states, counties, cities, and communities throughout our great nation.

And yeah, we're in a bit of snit with ourselves at the moment but indeed, we are STILL a great nation. As long as we remember how we all felt on September 11, 2001: distraught but not defeated; badly broken but not beaten.

More importantly, we need to remember how we felt and acted on September 12, 2001: patriotic, compassionate --- UNITED.

As we bow down in prayer to honor the collective memory of all those lost on 9/11 and in thanksgiving for the outpouring of bravery and genuine solidarity that ensued, let's look to the Survivor Tree. You know all about the little pear tree that could, don't you? Here's a summary, courtesy of www.911memorial.com:

In October 2001, a severely damaged tree was discovered at Ground Zero, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present. Today, the tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and rebirth.

​If this charred out little sapling can grow into a blooming beauty after surviving the terror attacks of 9/11, surely we can all remain civil, kind, and respectful of one another ... no matter whose candidate wins in November.

If 9/11 taught us nothing, it should leave these indelible marks on all our hearts and souls: We are one nation under God and we can endure anything so long as we love, support, and defend one another - no matter what.

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