Six years ago, our world changed ... drastically.  A preemptive strike on American soil that resulted in the deaths of thousands shook our nation and the world.  

I was mourning the death of my marriage, sitting in a rut of self-pity when my dearest friend (the ones in Charleston, SC now) called.  With an anxious and excited voice, she asked if I had heard.

"Heard what?"

"Turn on your TV!"  I did ... it was just after the first plane's strike.  We stayed on the phone as we both watched.  Her daughter and son-in-law lived on Manhattan ... were they safe?  She had tried to call, of course, but the lines were down.

The second plane hit ... we were both crying, trying desperately to figure out what was happening. 

Then the Pentagon!  The Pentagon???  The PENTAGON???  This is WAR!  But with whom?  Who was doing this?  WHY???

Then Flight #93 with a Pittsburgh connection. We witnessed the scrambling of the fighters overhead. 

She and her husband finally heard from their kids late that evening.  Yes, they were safe, by God's grace!  Their daughter worked across the street from one of the Towers.  They have since moved back to Pittsburgh.

During the days that followed, we were told our resolve would be sorely tested as we pursued the villains who murdered the thousands in the towers, on those four flights, and the many who tried to rescue them.  It has been tested, and sadly, for many, it is found wanting.  Are there problems in the management of the "war"?  Of course!  But do we tuck and run just because it is difficult?  What about the Sudan?  Afghanistan? Korea? Central America?  Do we sit back and hope for the best, or do we try to find a way ... to protect the innocent from the wrath of extremists?

Who is responsible for the the criminal actions that resulted in thousands of deaths and unknown other personal and economic issues six years ago, and what is being done about it?  Clarify the mission and get on with it!

~ B