Thursday, September 11, 2008

Remembering 9/11

September 11 is a big day for our family, for several reasons. First and foremost, this is a day to remember those who lost their lives 7 years ago through an act of inhumanity and terrorism.


This is a day for us to remember that evil really does exist and that, no matter how much we might try to deny it or plan against it, evil finds a way to rear its ugly little head (as mentioned this morning by Dennis Prager). That is why it is so important for us to stick together as a country and even more important for us to choose a president who understands this and will do everything in his power to fight evil, in all of its forms. I am grateful for those men and women who serve our country everyday to protect us from the evils of the world and who allow me and my family to sleep safely at night in our comfortable beds. God bless you and God bless America.


This is also an important day for our family because my grandmother died on September 11, 2000. She died from cancer and the decline of her health was very painful to watch. For those that read my tag post a few weeks back, this is the grandmother that my grandfather wanted me to drop out of college to come home and take care of while I was in school. But, being at the selfish stage in my life that I was in, I didn't do it... and I have regretted it ever since. My grandmother, Margaret Ruth Baugh, was one of the most amazing women that I have ever known (which is why my daughter shares her first name.) She had a knack for making you feel like YOU were her favorite grandchild and that her love was for you alone. Every summer I looked forward to spending a whole week at grandma and grandpa's house all by myself; something that she did for each of her grandchildren every year. While there, she made my favorite breakfasts every morning and took me to do fun things and to eat at fun places that I had never been to before. She also taught me how to clean (well), how to appreciate the outdoors, she instilled in me a love of gardening and yardwork and taught me how to appreciate beautiful art. My grandmother discovered very late in her life that she was a skilled painter and I am so blessed to have some of her art work hanging in my home. Some of my fondest memories of her are when we were all older and she would gather us in the kitchen to show us how to make one of her favorite recipes: swedish stolen bread (sort of like fruit cake, but more bready and not as fruity). Christmas time was my grandmother's favorite time of the year and her house was always filled with the most immaculate decorations. The last few christmases that we were able to spend with grandma, she started giving all of us glass ornaments (her favorite) to decorate our trees with when we were older. Those are now my favorite tree decorations and I love to pull them out from time to time and think of her. I love you so much, grandma... I miss you.


And lastly, we celebrate September 11 because this is my nephew, Andy Barney's, birthday. He was actually born just a few hours after my grandmother passed away, which helped to relieve some of the pain of that day. Andy turns 8 this year and he'll be getting baptized (I can't believe it!) I remember when that guy was just a little baby and I was still the "cool aunt"... man, how things change! Happy Birthday, Andy! We love you!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you think (thinking back on your self described "selfish act") that had you dropped out of college to take care of your grandmother you would be the woman you are today? Would you have met John? Would Stevey and Margs be here today?

So many questions to ponder and not know the answers to. Live in the day and have no regrets because you are here where you are at because of the decisions you made in the past. You have nothing to regret. Attending school is nothing to regret.

I don't think you should have any because the equation to who you are today is because of the exact life you have lived. If you are unhappy with your life (and you know you are not unhappy), then I can understand the regrets but what I have seen of you you are happy with where you are at!

Obviously you miss your grandmother as I am sure all of your family does. I hope you don't read into my post as a slam. I know you really miss her as I am sure the rest of your family does. Be happier that she is with your grandfather and they are probably Ranger fans on the other side of the veil too. Also remember that you have found memories of your grandmother! Some of us never knew ours.......

Audrey said...

Just in response to the "attending school is nothing to regret comment"... I know I don't need to regret going to school, per say. But maybe the timing. My granpa didn't just want me to drop out of school and forget about an education. The offer was for me to come and take care of my grandmother and then, when I wasn't needed for that anymore, they would pay for all of my schooling at the college of my choice along with a new car.

I can't really explain all of the details of what went into my decision-making process without getting too personal, but trust me when I say that it really was completely selfish.

You are right, of course, about all of the decisions that I have made having brought me to where I am now. I am happy; I don't constantly obsess about this one regret in my life. I just have a hard time remembering my grandmother without thinking about how selfish I was when she and grandpa really needed me the most. I should have been there for grandma the way she was always there for me...

Bethanne said...

She sounds lovely! Just remember that everything happens for a reason, Audrey...and you can't hold yourself responsible for well, anything. Yes, you might have missed out on some additional time and memories with her and your grandpa, but I'll tell you, it is HARD to watch someone die. Really, really hard. And what do you think your grandma would've wanted for you? I obviously don't know her, but I can only imagine that she would've wanted you to live and experience your own life. Things are all as they should be and you have got to try not to punish yourself for this. I KNOW how you feel about the whole situation. You are your own worst enemy, love. You are one of the best people I know and yet you always think the worst of yourself...Both of your grandparents are proud of you and are smiling down upon you. I'm sure of it!

Kristi said...

I remember your grandma even though I didn't know her very well but I know that she was a great lady and I remember as a teenager wishing that I was as close to my own grandparents as you were to yours. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. :)

Anonymous said...

Well enough is enough about torturing yourself about being selfish. I don't think that is what your grandparents would want.