A Mother's Reflection on 9/11: Three Days in September

Sirens howled and my first thought was my family and then-
I hope that no one is hurt.
Return to business, put kids on school bus, clipped
coupons, made lists.
Dashed to store, returned, put away groceries.
Too late to call parents. Will call tomorrow.
Kids come home;I post notes for babysitter and husband.
Rush to part time job.
Rush, rush it seems I am always rushing.

September 11, 2001

Sirens howled and my first thought was my family and then-
I hope that no one is hurt.
Pray nuclear plant not in trouble or Earl Naval Station
Can't break away from television
Watch horror unveil before my eyes.
My stomach is quesy
WTC initials forever etched in my brain.
Too much to comprehend
Then the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania farmland
Shock, disbelief sadness,
I'm completly overwhelmed
Called parents and most everyone I love
First question, where did family work?
Walked to school bus, hugged kids extra hard
They wiggle and giggle in my arms
At home we check for canned goods,
Water, in event of another attack
Cancelled sitter called in work sick.
Want to be with husband and children
Heart and head hurts we all pray.

September 12, 2001 and every day after...

Awaken and thank God we are alive one more day
Will never rush, take things or people for granted,
Will take every day as it comes, a gift.
Will cherish what is truly important
Will pray.