She REALLY Won't Forget

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 is fast approaching. And I hear folks talking about what they are going to do that morning on air. Some are just going to mention it, remember the survivors, and pray for the families. Others say they are going to go all out to take a look back in time, focusing on that destructive day.

I've been searching and wondering what I'm going to do. I know I want to do something meaningful and not just a stunt aimed at gripping the heart. While in the doctor's office this week, I was browsing thru the "Readers Digest." I can usually find a nugget or two in there for my daily discussions.

This month's issue has an excerpt from a book titled "The Legacy Letters." It's a collection of letters that survivors have written to the loved ones they lost on that fateful day. One letter featured in the article is from a young girl named Lauren. Her dad was on the 100th floor of one tower and died as a result of the terrorist attack. Lauren has written a letter to her dad that really touched my heart. And showed me what I'm going to do on 9/11 this year.

I'm going to get a copy of "The Legacy Letters" and find several that will fit my audience. I will have someone voice it in that person's honor. Not to be sensational, but to be respectful and to offer hope. And to remind those of us who still have our loved ones with us to not take a day for granted.

Listen to the heart appeal from Lauren's letter to her dad (this is reprinted from "The Legacy Letters"):

Dad,
Could you answer some of the questions I'll never get to ask?
I'm graduating in June. Will you clap for me?
I'm looking at colleges. Which one should I pick?
I passed my black belt test like I promised. Were you watching? Did you see me spar at nationals?
I passed my driver's test. Isn't that scary?
Do you remember what I wanted to be when I was little?
Have you seen my drawings? Haven't they come a long way from my stick figures?
Do you think I've made good friends?
I'm playing volleyball and I play setter. That's what you played, right?
I finally found the waterfall we used to hike to. Remember that?
Would you go hiking with me?
I still can't spell. Would you quiz me?
I've read almost all the books you have. Did you like them as much as I did?
I stopped going to church. Does it matter?
When you get this, will you write back?
I saw Quest For Camelot again. Isn't it the greatest movie ever?
Do you remember the beach? Could you teach me how to build sand castles?
Do you miss me as much as I miss you?
Will you be at my wedding?
Do you miss going out to breakfast?
Hey dad, why's the sky blue?
I've forgotten. What's your favorite color?
Most of all I wanted to ask, am I still your little girl?
Forever,
Lauren

We may say, "Never forget." But Lauren remembers. And through her loss, I've seen how much I possess.

God bless you, Lauren. And yes, it does matter.