911

Nine, One, One, three little numbers.  Two of the 10 numbers found on a phone key pad.  Before telephones, I don't think these digits held great significance, unless you happened to be born on 9/11 or had 911 dollars in your pocket.

In the late 1960's and early 70's,  the numbers 911 became the official code for emergencies.  Anywhere in the U.S., I can dial 911 on a telephone and have police, fire, or ambulance services dispatched to my location.  Nine, one, one is synonymous with receiving emergency help.

In 2001, September 11 became a date forever etched in the hearts and minds of Americans.  Many remember how the day started, probably typical of most days.  It was a Tuesday.  I know that because I began my morning at a 5:30 a.m. prayer meeting.  I returned home by 6:45.  I made breakfast, packed school lunches, and took my kids to school.

I came home and began cleaning the kitchen.  I continued praying over pressing events from earlier in the morning.  I mulled over the seemingly strange topics we'd prayed for in our early morning session.  Sometime after 9, Michael turned the television on because he'd heard something on the internet about a catastrophic emergency developing in our country.  The rest of the day is mostly a blur, with the exception of being glued to the t.v., and the terrible devastation shown over and over.

Recently, 911 took on a different kind of significance.  Thankfully, nothing as monumental or fatefull as September 11, 2001.  Christopher & Lauren moved to New Orleans in August.  Their new home address: 911 Louisiana Lane (or something like that.)  Hilary moved into an apartment near the college.  Her apartment number is 911.  Interesting that I have 2 of my kids calling home to 911.

Tomorrow I'll share how we spent 9/11/11.