The Catmulls

I flew my flag today, in honor of the innocent men and women whose lives so quickly ended on the morning of September 11th 2001. I flew my flag in honor of those whose lives are sacrificed each day to keep our country safe. I flew my flag today in honor of a country that I love, despite the disappointments we have experienced together.

Each of us remembers where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt that day. I had been with Natalie at the hospital waiting for little Cooper to be born. I remember coming home that early morning with so much hope and anticipation for this sweet little new life and then waking up, learning what had happened, and feeling so much despair. I remember talking to Shawn later in the week and feeling so angry. Angry that these people who I didn't know, who didn't know me, had taken away my sense of security, my freedom to feel safe and protected in a country that I loved. Though the events didn't happen to me directly the invasion felt so personal. It still feels so personal and I am amazed at how close to the surface those feelings still are. During that time I was so thankful for the peace of the gospel, so thankful for the words of our prophet.

Everything changed that day for all of us and they keep changing. We have become complacent in our fear of terror, but yet there are so many other things to be afraid of in today's world. It is scary but we have been taught that these things will happen. We know the signs of the times. It is the knowledge of these things that helps me to be still and know that He is God...right will win out in the end, to everything there is a plan and a purpose.

My heart and my prayers go out to those who lost loved ones on September 11th and my heart and my prayers go out to so many who struggle today with the challenges that our country is facing. I try to remember though that it is not our challenges that define us, we define ourselves. I am grateful today for the blessings of family and the hope that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings.