2 Kids, 2 Days, 2 Towers, 2 Different Worlds

Every year for the past 22 years I’m impacted by two things surrounding the events of September 11, 2001; one happens to be hilarious (watch for a follow up) and the other very sobering.

Like everyone alive and old enough to notice, I remember the exact moment I learned of the first plane flying into the towers. I remember the anger, disbelief, and profound sadness; all things I will never forget. But that’s not what stands out to me so much.

On September the 10th, the day before, we celebrated the birth of brother’s daughter, Tabby. She entered the world bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The family rejoiced, her mom and dad undoubtedly made plans of what the rest of her life would look like as she grew up and dad finished out his time as an Air Force Reservists during a peace-time tour.

Then, in one short day, everything changed. Everywhere.

That night, or technically the next morning, at 12:30am on September 12th, my wife, Tammy, went into labor with our third child and second son. We, too, were overjoyed at this new life God had trusted us with. Just like my brother and his family we had thoughts of what his life would look like, but he was born into a completely different world than was his cousin only two days prior. Same family, same age, same DNA, two very different worlds.

Every year I’m reminded of the words of an old hymn:

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

As we sit here in the hospital watching the time pass by when we had hoped to be going home, I’m once again reminded how we can’t possibly see what is coming around the corner, but then again, we don’t need to. All we need to do is keep our eyes intently fixed on His face, our feet firmly planted in His love, and our hearts energized by His Power.

Today as we remember a tragedy, let also remember the provision, the love, and the grace of the only One it didn’t sneak up on. He wasn’t surprised by the events of 911 or the impacts it had on us all. He is still good, still trustworthy, and still sovereign.