9/11 Day of Remembrance

The best way for y'all to understand 

what happened during my trip is to read the 

Guest Column 

I wrote for the Worthington Spotlight newspaper. 

See pages 5 and 20.

Below are photos about my time in Ohio and Michigan from 9/8-9/11.

Here's how it all started:

My friend Suzan (vintage pic) asked me to come to to Worthington, OH 

to help set up a 20th anniversary 9/11 memorial.

I put Wo-town in the Google Maps 

and was taken on some back roads

full of country beauty!

No, not that one.

I brought silly, sweet, and savory gifts.

I was treated to Sunday Gravy

made by Chef Suzan!

Suzan had just gone through old photos.

She found this one of our kids.

It's a perfect illustration for the description I wrote 

in my essay which describes our kids' walk the morning of 9/11/2001.

Wednesday we met up with employees of the city of Worthington, 

first responders, members of the local American Legion, 

Rotary and Lions clubs, 

volunteers from the community

and the girls and boys 

of the Thomas Worthington HS Cross Country team. 

We placed 2,977 flags along the village green, 

one in memory of each victim 

of the terrorist attacks 

on September 11, 2001. 

The village green was now ready for Saturday's official ceremony. 

Back home I was TOAD all was fine.

While visiting my hometown of 17 years 

I was able to visit a bunch of friends.

I was able to go on a walk around Antrim Park 

with a friend and see hidden wonders.

My car tires needed air. 

So of course I went to North End Wrench to see Dave and Mark.

I picked up a cast off at Curbs R Us. 

I visited with some friends who live with wise pets. 

I sat on couches and talked and talked. 

Enjoyable.

I saw some "deer" friends.

I went on a walk talk with one friend

after getting a tour of her fabulous home.

I had a peaceful moment with a Kooky Kool friend. 

I invaded another's workplace. 

I loved being able to say HELLO to my OH-IO buddies!

I even got CRAZY and knocked on the door of MY FIRST HOME.

The owner was very gracious. She'd been there 20 plus years.

She gave me a tour and let me snap photos of my favorite parts!

There's an Old Bag of Nails Pub nearby now!

I stopped and got fish and chips!

YUM!

I swung by my friend's home and took a walk in the graveyard there. 

I went thrifting at Volunteers of America.

Then I headed to Cincinnati to visit my son and his wife

and their fur babies!

Aaaaaaachoooo!

I was sad when it was time to go. 

On the way home I  

"didn't forget"

to deliver

elephant

stuff to a family friend. 

I got to visit to my mother in-law with my sister in-law.

I was able to deliver some Peanuts items to a fan.

I attended the American Legion Friday night dinner of clams on pasta.

YUM.

I got to go to the infamous Worthington Farmer's Market.

I was lifted up by a friend.

On Saturday, September 11, 2021 it was time to attend the 

20th Anniversary Memorial Commemoration.

The 9/11 Day of Remembrance was beautiful.

We were reminded that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

And to love your neighbor.

It was an honor to be among those who have served and to be reminded to 

NEVER FORGET.

*

After the ceremony I took off for the Allegan County Fair in Michigan. 

I had tickets to the 20th anniversary tour concert of 

3 Doors Down with Chayce Beckham opening. 

I was bringing Oreos for the band.

(I know the mother of one of the players.)

I played BINGO! 

I lost. 

I love the 4 H booths.

I bought a one of a kind airbrush painted tee!

The concert was AWESOME!

*

On September 11, 2001 

two of my Ohio Wesleyan University friends 

were killed by the terrorists.

One was the president of my class.

Souls were lost.

People died who had been living vibrant lives.

In their remembrance I promise to live a life of gratitude and joy.

Peace be with you all as you remember those lost 

and as you make a decision in how you will live. 

Thank you Suzan for being a patriot 

and for inviting me to come visit you so we could

 honor those lost 

and 

celebrate 

FREEDOM.