As I lay in bed about to drift off last night, I was thinking to myself that Phil was working awful late. The light was on in his office, and he was busy working away.

But this morning, when I got to work and looked at my email, this is what I found. A beautiful piece he had written and sent out to many of our friends and family, as well as his colleagues.

Phil arrived home early just this past Tuesday so that he could pick up Perry from school, and come home and start dinner for the three of us. As we sat out in the backyard on Tuesday watching our son play football with his neighbor friends, we reflected ourselves on how much the beauty of this day reminded us of the beauty of that day. It was sunny with just a crisp in the air... just like it was back then.

This is what he wrote...

September 11th is very much a day of reflection. Everyone remembers where they were, what that day was like, the seemingly unending tragedy of events unfolding on national television. But for me, I am almost haunted by my memories of that day - that I was, as were some of you, in a commercial airplane on an early morning flight, going about our business, just like those who perished. In my "end-analysis", there just never appears to be any difference between myself and those who were not so fortunate to be able to return to their families - maybe the only thing separating us was simple luck. I just don't know.

So, on September 11th, I am overwhelmed by how thankful I am for what I have - a loving and supportive wife, an absolutely wonderful son, an encouraging family, both immediate and extended, who are always there when you need them, close friends who's families mean so much to mine, and a special collection of business friends and colleagues, some of whom have been very influential in my career - to the best of my abilities (and if I had your e-mail address handy), you are all copied herein.

I am especially thankful for my brother, Sgt. Paul D. Worden, U.S. Army (Ret.) and my very good friend, Sr. Mst. Sgt. Carl J. Quijas, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), who served our country in defense of the freedoms we enjoy - still, the best part of their name and rank to me is the (Ret.) as both are now civilians. My thanks goes to all who continue to bravely serve our country.

In addition to being thankful, September 11th is also a day for remembering. I am forwarding to you a link to an Op-Ed that appeared yesterday in the NY Daily News, written by the sister of one of the American Airlines pilots who perished that day. I encourage you to go read this well-written piece and take to heart the message therein.

May God continue to bless each and every one of you - and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Thank you, my sweet husband, for keeping our life in perspective.

Labels: family

Today we celebrated a very special birthday - my mother's 65th birthday. We all gathered at the Cheesecake Factory for a family lunch and presents.

Her three kids went in together on a very special gift. An 8" Digital Picture Frame. We loaded it up with hundreds of family pictures, and had it ready to go as soon as she brought it home.

She will be able to look at pictures all day long if she so desires.

This weekend has been full of friends, family and fun. We spent Friday evening with three other couples and their kids having dinner at the club, and then going back to our friend's home for ice cream and conversation. Yesterday, we spent most of the day at our next door neighbor's home celebrating college football season opening with them, and other friends from the neighborhood. I am so thankful for our friends and neighbors.

Tomorrow I'm hoping for a restful Labor Day.

I am anticipating another busy week or two here. Work has really picked up and I am going to take a break from my blog for a little while.

Oh, but first... my answer is You've Got Mail. I love that movie so much. I could watch it every time I see it on TV. But I do love me Sleepless in Seattle... I just wanted to know what everyone else thought.

But I will return. And hopefully I'll have more thoughts to writw about after my break.

Labels: family