I ran around all morning trying to get my work done and prepare for my 2:15pm meeting. I watched the 12 o'clock noon National Cathedral Service while I was getting dressed. After spending the week feeling almost every emotion possible, today I felt numb. Almost as though I needed to be detached from the horror stories I've heard over and over. So, I went about my day today as if it were just any other day. Driving through a tropical storm, I was determined to make my appointment. I didn't want to stay home and watch the news or think about what this week has brought us.
I left the appointment, still feeling numb, and went over to my mom's house. My mom and I went to the supermarket and a few other stores. As we were driving, she mentioned that she wanted to pass by the church to see if they were holding a candlelight vigil tonight. We couldn't find any organized vigils in the area. On our way back to my mom's house, the song "God Bless The USA" was played on the radio. Although I've heard it plenty of times in the last few days, this time it was different. I looked at my mom and she had tears in her eyes. While I was driving, I held her hand and soon my eyes began to fill with tears also. We remained silent, listening to every word that was being sung.
This was when it hit me. As I watched and listened to the news all week, I saw the reports of Americans coming together. I was numb, because I was scared. I was scared of what these attacks and any future attacks will do to us as a country. We, as a whole, are not used to life under these circumstances. Will we fall apart or "really" put our differences aside and act together as Proud Americans?
At seven o'clock, just after dinner, my mom and I lit our candles and stepped outside. No one else from the neighborhood was out there. Could my worst fears have come true? How could no one care? Lives were lost, we are potentialy on the brink of war! We decided take our candles and walk around the neighborhood. We ran across one other woman who was standing outside of her house with a candle. As I walked, I thought about the families who have lost loved ones and friends. I also thought about what might be in store for us in the future. I was discouraged and sad. I felt as though if we had any chance of a brighter future, we would have to have more pride in our country. I left my mom's house upset, with little faith in the American people.
As I was driving home, I came across a group of about 20 people, holding up American flags and candles. When I turned the corner and came closer to them, I realized they were chanting USA, USA. One of them yelled out "Join Us". I went down the block, made a u-turn and pulled my car onto the grass. I was waiting all night to see such a display of patriotism. I began talking to one of the women, and she told me that about half an hour ago, she and her family decided to come out with candles and flags. What started off as a small family affair quickly tripled in size. I stayed for a while and cheered and chanted along with them. By the time I left there must have been about 40 people all coming together for the same reason. I realized that we can make a difference. This restored my faith in the American people.
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