Stephen and I flew to Boston last Friday on the anniversary of 9/11. We were actually sitting in the airport that morning at the exact time the plane hit one of the towers, so there was an announcement made over the intercom and everyone in the entire airport stopped what they were doing, stood up and honored those that lost their lives that day 8 years ago by having a moment of silence. Later bag pipes played and students from local schools paraded the terminal. When we got on our flight to Boston we were sitting on the exit row and the flight attendant's jump seat was right in front of us. She sat in it facing us while we took off. Both Stephen and I noticed she made the Sign of the Cross right before take off. I knew exactly how she felt as with all the flights I've been on through my lifetime of being a TWA child I would and still do say a prayer before every take off. I'm sure a lot of prayers were being said on those flights on 9/11/01.
I'm sure non-Catholics wonder why Catholics make the Sign of the Cross, I found this great explanation on Catholicism 101:
Making the sign of the cross is a proclamation of our faith in Jesus Christ, Our Lord. His death on the cross made the way for us to be redeemed and to dwell with Him forever in heaven. The act of signing doesn't save us - the belief that His work on the cross is what saves us... it is common practice to say out loud or to one's self "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."... Making the sign of the cross is a special gesture for Catholics and other Christians. It symbolizes the deep meaning of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
So when that sweet flight attendant openly made the sign of the cross in front of us passengers before take off I knew she was thankful for Jesus and that she had Faith in Him to watch over all of us. And He did and always does. For that I am so grateful.
Did you know that Sunday September 13th was Grandparents Day? Our kids have the best grandparents! Oma, Opa, Nana, and Poppi are the most loving, fun, patient, giving and kind grandparents. Our children are truly blessed by them. Well Madeline and James got to be with Oma and Opa for this special day while we were in Boston. Above are photos my mom took of their weekend with the kids. They took them to the McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels and to a small German town near by called Gruene. They also took them to the pool and the mall and out for ice cream. :) I am truly grateful for our parents.
Madeline surprised me this afternoon by singing out of the blue this turtle song she learned at school! Listen, she's so cute! I am truly grateful for her teacher Mrs. Moore and all the teachers in this world who dedicate their lives to teaching the future of our world.
Lastly I am grateful for my extended ohana...aka my family. Yesterday was my parents last day here and we had Uncle Steve and Braden (who has been in town) come over. We had a nice visit. We took them to a nearby park on the San Marcos river. Stephen and Braden had fun going down the rapids, climbing the boulders and checking out the rope swing. Madeline swam with the guys in the river. And for a quick moment James and Penny Lane got in for a swim too! It was a beautiful afternoon at the park. Then we came home and I made some homemade chicken enchiladas. It was a great way to end a great day!
1 comment:
I saw YAY to grandparents too! They are the best! Cool expirience in the airport, I probably would have been crying the whole time. That song Madeline sang was so cute! I love the little songs that you learn as a child. Looks like you guys had a blast on the river, when we come to visit we'll have to hit up that place for sure! Great post Melissa.
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