September 11, 2001. I was a high school freshman, sitting in my 3rd hour Honors History class when the news came. The Twin Towers in New York City were under attack. I saw the playback a thousand times of that tragic day. I still remember listening to then president George W. Bush's declaration of war on TV as jets from Selfridge Air National Guard base roared over my house and the US/Canada border. Quickly Osama bin Laden was confirmed as the plotter of the 9/11 attacks. And, just like that, the American people went on a hunt for him.
Nine and a half years alter, the hunt is over. Osama bin Laden has been killed by an American bullet. I am no longer a high school freshman watching this unfold. Instead I am the wife of a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. We laid in bed together last night, watching President Obama address the world. We got the notice from base that the security level had been heightened long before we even knew what was going on.
The initial feeling was a mixture of relief, joy, and pride. I watched the people cheering in Washington D.C.'s streets and I felt that overwhelming sense of patriotism that I felt nine and a half years ago when the nation came together. Except this time they were coming together in victory, not in agony. Knowing such an evil presence was gone from this world was a relief. I am not one to wish death on someone but he was a vision of Satan himself and I did not want him in this world.
Nearly a day later, the sense of relief is still there but there is now a new feeling...fear. Nine and a half years ago I feared for my country, now I fear for my own husband. I fear that there will be retaliation from Osama's followers. And I fear that that retaliation will be on our troops. Normally I would have this fear no matter what, but it hits home even harder when my husband is one of them. So many posts on sites like Facebook have said to pray for our troops. One of those troops is the love of my life; how could I not be praying?
So, while I am glad to see justice being served, I fear for our troops and I pray that God watches over them all and ensures that our troops come home safely. God bless our troops and God bless America.
I fear for our safety here in the states. I just have this feeling they aren't going to attack the people in Afghanistan. They might come for us. But either way, I am scared for all of us here and there!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think all Americans are at risk, whether it be overseas or here in the states. I think I'd be nervous no matter what but I think it pulls so many more heart strings when you've married the military and "the troops" are people you actually know and love.
ReplyDeleteNice post, Kati :) I will definitely be praying for your husband during this time. I don't really know you, but I can be a listening ear any time you need one :)
ReplyDeleteThank you from one Michigander to another! I always like having ears ready...I tend to always have a lot to say! lol. It's very scary to know that it's almost a guarantee they'll try some kind of revenge. Hits home even more than 9/11 now.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is definitely a fear factor for me going on now, since the announcement was made. My hubby put in for an IA a couple weeks ago, that someone else was selected for. He would have left right about now and with the recent victory for our side, I am sure it will create a mess of attacks both in places like Irag and Afghanistan, but I am fearful for all Americans both overseas and even here at home. I am hoping and praying that those who would wish to retaliate would just back off and leave it alone. We were entitled to this kill.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. It's always nice to read blogs from fellow military wives. :) I am looking forward to following your blog regularly now.
http://asailorsvalentine.blogspot.com/
First of all, thanks for the follow! I returned the favor. :)
ReplyDeleteSecond, I completely know what you mean. While F is still safe stateside, just knowing what can happen in the upcoming months and years is scary. I know he'll have to go over there someday and I pray nothing comes out of this. I agree, we were entitled to this kill. We didn't go kill thousands of people, we killed a handful of evil people. He killed how many of our people? We deserved this victory.