The Impact

3rd Grade, Mrs. Nelson's class, Sept. 11, 2001.

Not yet old enough to comprehend what was happening,

I finally understand and it's taken me 10 years.

Never understanding the impact It's had, 

not only on America, 

but on the citizens of this blessed country.

It started war and conflicts that will possibly never end.

It's broken hearts, but strengthened them too.

Innocent people died, but innocent people lived.

For a short time, it united a divided country.

My testimony of our Father in Heaven has been strengthened today.

At times we feel abandoned, and that God has forgotten us.

HE HASN'T, and he certainly NEVER will.

We are his children, and he loves each of us,
 more than we can ever know.

He sends us these trials to remind us what's important.

To look beyond ourselves for a change. 

To help others in need, and let people help you.

To count your blessings, and realize where they come from.

It shouldn't blind us of God's hand in all things.

It softens our hearts, motivates our minds,

and makes us want to reach out.

It's taken me 10 years to realize this.

Realize it for yourself, and I promise you will feel at peace.

I promise your trials will seem but small hills, just waiting to be conquered.

Never be ashamed to be an American.

We have every reason to be proud;

We have every reason to be humble.