That day began as it always did, picking up stragglers on my street on the way up to BYU campus. I think that there was only 1 in the car with me that day rather than the usual 4-5. We were listening to the radio and heard the report. For some reason, I thought that the planes were only the small 2-seater ones rather than the large ones that they actually were. I wasn't too worried until I got to work. We turned the TV on to watch. The TV was right by my desk and I remember not being able to look away for hours. We finally turned it off so everyone would get some work done. We kept updated via news sites. Then the first tower collapsed. The TV went back on. We couldn't believe it. I have never been to NYC, so I'm not familiar with how tall these buildings actually were. Seeing the destruction on TV probably didn't give me a true sense of how devastating everything really was.
When I got home from work, my roommates and I pulled out my old and huge TV to watch. We had people stop in because not many people had TVs on our street. Everyone was in shock. Our EQP (elder's quorum pres) was going around the ward to make sure everyone was okay and to see if any family/friends were involved. Surprisingly, there weren't.
Later that evening I took Leticia with me to fill up my car with gas. No one knew who was behind the attacks and we were worried about not being able to get gas in the future. There was a huge line at the gas station. I ended up walking to work for a few days because I was worried. Didn't need to worry too much (except about the prices).
I think what I remember most about everything was the unity of the nation that came to the forefront. It's amazing to see the turn about in just 10 years. Before it was, "Do anything to protect this country and our freedom...including war." Now it's, "Avoid anything that would include our troops on foreign soil." It's a bit sad to me. I am SO grateful for those who fight for our freedoms as well as those who help support other countries so they can have similar freedoms.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My Buddies
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE being with children. Their hugs, their laughs, their wiggles...everything! (Maybe not the stuff that comes out of their noses or the other end...)
Starting in June I've had the opportunity to begin to work/volunteer at a daycare on campus. The summer was spent in the infant/toddler room. I loved watching them figure things out: how to crawl, how to manipulate objects with their pudgy hands, that naps WILL make them happier. I started working in the 2-3 (young preschool) classroom last week. These little ones keep me on my toes! Talk about energetic. So many questions, with the most obvious one being 'Why'? I love having these little buddies.
It goes without saying that they often notice my least favorite body traits: my zits, which to them are owies; my moles that I have on my arm, neck, and face (What are THOSE?); when I sweat, I use a paper towel to dry my face (I saw one boy try to do the same once).
But most of all, I just love that they accept me even with these yucky faults of mine. They like giving me high-fives. My favorite is when I'm sitting and they come close to hold my hand or they stand between my legs so they can be near me. I know that away from the classroom most of them wouldn't recognize me. But it's comforting to know that I'm their friend for a few hours of each day.
Starting in June I've had the opportunity to begin to work/volunteer at a daycare on campus. The summer was spent in the infant/toddler room. I loved watching them figure things out: how to crawl, how to manipulate objects with their pudgy hands, that naps WILL make them happier. I started working in the 2-3 (young preschool) classroom last week. These little ones keep me on my toes! Talk about energetic. So many questions, with the most obvious one being 'Why'? I love having these little buddies.
It goes without saying that they often notice my least favorite body traits: my zits, which to them are owies; my moles that I have on my arm, neck, and face (What are THOSE?); when I sweat, I use a paper towel to dry my face (I saw one boy try to do the same once).
But most of all, I just love that they accept me even with these yucky faults of mine. They like giving me high-fives. My favorite is when I'm sitting and they come close to hold my hand or they stand between my legs so they can be near me. I know that away from the classroom most of them wouldn't recognize me. But it's comforting to know that I'm their friend for a few hours of each day.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Memories: Labor Day
I think the first time I really heard and understood what Labor Day was when I was in 4th grade. My youngest brother Kirk was born on Labor day 24 years ago. I stayed at Aunt Linda's and Uncle Richard's while my mom was in the hospital. When we got the call the next day about Kirk, I remember I was sitting on their stairs putting on my shoes. When Linda told me it was another boy I thought she was teasing because she knew how much I wanted a sister. When I finally believed her, I cried.
When I got to school I remember my friends and I were confused about the true meaning of Labor Day. At first we thought it was the day that all babies were born. Then we realized that most of our birthdays were in other months so that couldn't be true. I'm sure we still didn't fully understand it after that. (I still don't fully understand it now.)
I would never trade my brother Kirk for a sister. There are been some trying times because of his disabilities, but they have taught me so much.
And to add to the greatness of Labor Day, another family member was born on Labor Day. Weston Kinser Hendershot joined the world today at 3:06 p.m. He was 8 lbs 12 ounces and 20 inches long.
Happy Labor Day!
When I got to school I remember my friends and I were confused about the true meaning of Labor Day. At first we thought it was the day that all babies were born. Then we realized that most of our birthdays were in other months so that couldn't be true. I'm sure we still didn't fully understand it after that. (I still don't fully understand it now.)
I would never trade my brother Kirk for a sister. There are been some trying times because of his disabilities, but they have taught me so much.
And to add to the greatness of Labor Day, another family member was born on Labor Day. Weston Kinser Hendershot joined the world today at 3:06 p.m. He was 8 lbs 12 ounces and 20 inches long.
Happy Labor Day!
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