September 11, 2008

Thousands of people died this day 7 years ago. 1,609 people lost a spouse or partner. More than 3,051 children lost parents. Hundreds of thousands of people mourned together this day as they cried out for someone they loved that they would never get to see again.  That last kiss goodbye, that last embrace, will have to last them forever.  My heart is broken for them today, as they are living every moment with a part of them missing.  It is hard to feel complete with a piece of your heart gone.  A brother, mother, sister, daughter, best friend, soul mate; their hearts cry out.  God hold them today and give them hope, give them life, give them joy.  As the memorial is complete at the Pentagon, help those still here to live on as strongly as the memories of those lost will.  And as the rains pour down even as I write, help it to wash away their tears and replace them with hope and with your grace.  Help them to know that you have never left.  You are still here, in the midst, holding them, just as you were the moment those towers came down.  Help the rain to wash away all of our tears.  God hold them.