An Election Prayer to Mary 
I remember the flags.
This is the 7th September 11 that went by since the terrorist attack on our country.
I remember the sound of the incredulous radio broadcaster announcing the first tower being hit. I remember thinking that it was just some sort of crazy media scare, something blown out of proportion as I sat in my car on the way to the office.
I remember praying in front of the neighbors television as we came from nearby offices to see "Ground Zero" and witnessing in the collapse of the second tower the deaths of thousands of innocent people - and I was thankful, as I was often the person in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I remember the uncertainty of what was going on around us- rumors of other incidents until the dust cleared. How much was hanging on the thread of civilization, which I had not ever seen as vulnerable before.
I remember the desire to get home to be with Jennie and the kids… The desire to light a candle, say a prayer and commend the day's events to God.
I remember our personal response, a pulling together of loosely fitting neighbors. I realized on September 11th that being an American was something to not be taken lightly.
I remember singing the patriotic songs. And the flags that sprung up as flowers in a place where the dirty destructive fingers of terrorism had spread a rotting odor. The flag reminded us where we were, where we came from and where we wanted to go. And the flag moves forward. The American People move forward. The stench of terrorism is in the air, no longer ignored, but overwhelmed by the sweet breeze of freedom which is felt in our hearts and seen in the flutter of the flag.
I don't see them around so much these days. Much like the feeling for the appreciation of our American way of life, the flag is mostly put away and only taken out when we need to remember. But the flag is there. Always real. Always ready. We will see it when we need to and know that we do not stand alone, but as one nation under the protection of almighty God.
I saw this picture and it reminded me of our pet hedgehogs we had about 6 or 7 years ago.
They are very hard to find, and I found a pet store that was willing to order it. We took a triip also to NYC where I found a nice fellow on the internet who had a pet hedgehog and was trying to get someone to pay attention to her.
So we had 2 hedgehogs. They lasted about 4 or 5 months. We used to let them go on the couch with us and Jennie would make a tunnel for them to run along. Our pet cats were curiouis but kept their distance.
How a spikey creature got to be so close to us is beyond me. When they picked up a cough and passed on it was sad for the whole family. Their time with us ws a special blessing and I'll aways have a warm place in my heart for these creatures.
Just this side of heaven
is a place called
Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies
that has been
especially close
to someone here,
that pet goes
to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows
and hills for all
of our special friends
so they can run
and play together.
There is plenty
of food, water
and sunshine,
and our friends
are warm
and comfortable.
All the animals
who had been ill
and old
are restored
to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt
or maimed
are made whole
and strong again,
just as we remember
them in our dreams
of days and times
gone by.
The animals are
happy and content,
except for one
small thing;
they each miss
someone
very special
to them,
who had to be
left behind.
They all run
and play together,
but the day comes
when one suddenly
stops and looks
into the distance.
His bright eyes
are intent.
His eager body
quivers.
Suddenly he begins
to run from
the group,
flying over
the green grass,
his legs carrying
him faster
and faster.
You have been
spotted, and when
you and your
special friend
finally meet,
you cling together
in joyous reunion,
never to be
parted again.
The happy kisses
rain upon your face;
your hands again
caress the beloved head,
and you look once more
into the trusting eyes
of your pet,
so long gone
from your life
but never absent
from
your heart.
Then you cross
Rainbow Bridge
together....
Author unknown
