Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/author/bernadette-r-gentry/)
Twenty-five years ago today, a great tragedy occurred in our country. A terrorist attack caused the loss of nearly 3,000 people. This event changed us as a country—we became united against the enemy who had done so much harm.
When I was a little girl, we had a black rotary dial phone. It sat on a little table by a lamp in the corner of the living room. Nearby there were several large telephone books containing local, state and business phone numbers. We got new books every year. I still remember my phone number.
School ended for the summer around June 28 and wouldn’t start again until the Wednesday after Labor Day. I was looking forward to a long relaxing summer. Our teacher Mr. Bing said we could take home up to ten books from the bookshelves. I took ten thick novels and walked home balancing them in my arms.
Today we honor and remember all the brave men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we know today. It is because of their sacrifices that we can vote for the persons of our choice, have our own views on different topics, march in protest and support, and practice our religion in our own way.
In neighborhoods, sticks once lifeless and devoid of leaves and buried in deep snow,
now overflow with the rich yellow of the forsythia.
With the snow, ice, cold temperatures and strong winds,
winter’s power seems relentless and spring so far away.
On the houses the Christmas lights shine brightly into the dark night.
The air feels cold, and snow flurries drift quietly by.
How blessed we are to have a warm home
and friends and family to share this day of Thanksgiving.
We are rich in things that truly matter.
Red leaves, orange pumpkins, and bittersweet vines.
Do you cry when the leaves fall?
