Thursday's Child: The Trip We Didn't Take

Thursday, September 8, 2011

I always enjoy writing about the trips I’ve taken and sharing them with you.  But in honour of the upcoming tragic anniversary, I’d like to write about a trip we didn’t take.

Ten years and one month ago, Andrew and I were scheduled to travel to Vienna and Prague, to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary.  I’d seen Vienna as a backpacker in my early 20s and was looking forward to showing Andrew one of my favourite cities in the world.  And seeing Prague had been a dream for years. 

And then the unthinkable happened.  Many have written eloquently about the horrible events of September 11, and there is little that I can add.  I’ll simply say that I was at home with my then-four year old, and I couldn’t turn on the TV with her there. I relied on phone calls from my mother and Andrew to tell me what was happening.  Despite their updates, when I finally watched the coverage at lunch, I literally couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

And so we cancelled our trip.  The idea of being an ocean away from our children that fall was unthinkable.  Some of our friends asked if we were disappointed to miss out on our holiday; I could only answer that other people’s losses were so enormous that any disappointment on our part was trivial.

Today and this weekend, my prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of September 11, 2001.

26 comments:

Angela said...

On the day of the tragedy I lived in a townhouse neighborhood a few miles from Dulles International airport.

Listening to airplanes fly over head was just part of living there, and I never thought I'd actually miss the sound until the day after, when the sky was eerily quiet.

Gloria Baker said...

My dear I remember well this day we were absolutely shocked, my prayers are with all these persons who lost someone in this day. huggs! gloria

Rita said...

Whar a touching post Beth; it seems we all have our memories of that day we will never forget. I hope you ge the chance to book that trip again and can go back to Vienna and show it off.
Rita

Claudia said...

It's an anniversary that looms - being from NYC and having had friends and family at the WTC on 9/11. I remember taking the kids to Ellis Island one year and deciding not to go to the World Trade Center because they were fried - and it would always be there.

Belinda said...

Home. What matters, eh.

Valerie Gamine said...

It was certainly a day that reminded us about the things that really matter in life. I still can't believe it's been 10 years.

Barbara said...

I agree, Beth. A day that changed our lives forever. My daughter in NYC saw it happen....I'll write about it on Sunday.

julie said...

It's amazing that it's already been 10 years since the tragedy of 9/11. My thoughts are with all of those that were affected and are still feeling the effects to this day.

Jess said...

I've got no words for what I was feeling that day. Not yet, even ten years later.

Mary said...

I'm praying along with you. This is such a horribly sad anniversary.

Anonymous said...

Amen. May we all find quiet moments in unexpected places for reflection this weekend.

Susan Fields said...

I can't believe it's been ten years already. What a sad, sad anniversary.

Kathy said...

That moment will live with me and all of us forever. A terribly sad anniversary. Lovely post.

Sweet And Crumby said...

What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your story.

Anonymous said...

Great post.. we will all remember forever. .

Creepy Query Girl said...

I haven't met one person who doesn't remember where they were when the towers fell. Even in France- the whole world was literally watching, holding their breath and their loved ones close to them. Thank you for sharing this with us! Glad to have discovered your blog:)

Anonymous said...

I don't think I would have been able to leave my family that fall either. What a wonderful post.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Well said, Beth. I think this horrific event help put things in perspective for so many of us...the importance of family being tops.

Stina said...

That was a scary time to travel. I was away at a sales training meeting. Once we were finally able to fly again, a large group of participants decided to drive the two day trip home instead of getting on a plane.

Janet Johnson said...

I had just returned from NY on Sept. 9, and seeing that destruction on the tv two days later was unbelievable. The reality of it took a few days to sink in. Definitely a time to draw closer to loved ones.

Joanne said...

Wonderful post. I was two blocks away from the WTC when the planes hit and that will forever be imprinted in my memory and in my soul. We shall never forget...but we shall also never let it hold us down.

marla {Family Fresh Cooking} said...

Beth, thanks for sharing your story and feelings with us. I cannot believe a decade has passed.
Please join me to bake & remember lives lost in 9/11. I am hosting a link up called *Remembrance Cakes* Would love to have you. We are baking cakes, muffins, cupcakes. Anything is great! You can also share posts you have all ready published. Just add the badge to show your support.
http://su.pr/2j5eSB

Haddock said...

Some things are just etched in our inner mind ..... and very difficult to erase.
Hope there is an end to this mindless, senseless action.

Julie said...

Thanks for sharing this story with us! Even 10 years later, it seems like yesterday.

Monet said...

A thoughtful post, Beth. It makes me think back to that day...and all that changed. Thank you for writing. I hope you are having a blessed day with those you love.

Sue said...

Thanks for sharing, Beth.

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