Counting My Blessings on September 11th

While the world watches how we will remember September 11th, author MyLinda Butterworth gives us a twist on the day. She suggests looking at the good that has come out of tragedy.

Recently our local newspaper plastered the front section of our newspaper with the intent of our national television stations for September 11th. I was appalled by their decision to reenact that day to a nation who is just now starting to see her wounds heal. How could they be so insensitive? I can understand the need to remember this day in our history. I know why we should, but do we need to spend 10-12 hours of the day reliving one of Americas darkest hours? I dont think so. We need to COUNT OUR BLESSINGS.

In our history we have endured a great many conflicts and wars. From each of these events we have learned a lesson and have reflected on it and looked to the future. On September 11, 2001 we experienced something we never thought would happen to us. We have always thought of ourselves as the strongest nation in the world and that nothing like terrorism would ever touch us. We let our defenses down and we got hurt. What this event did that no one man or woman could do alone was to bring together a people who had been apathetic about their freedoms and security. Those people who died at the hands of terrorism and those who survived it temporarily cut the ties of internal aggression, racism and of pettiness and made us what we should be The UNITED States of America. Patriotism still runs through our veins and I see the flag more now than I ever have in my lifetime, and that is how it should be. I count that as a blessing.

What will I be doing this September 11th? First I will be turning off my TV; second I will do what thousands of other people are doing that day and celebrating my birthday. Granted it will not be the same as all those other years, but this year is special to me as I celebrate 23 years cancer free, that is half my lifetime. To say thank you to the Doctors who saved my life and others I will donate a percentage of the sales of my award winning book ,"For Health's Sake: A Cancer Survivor's Cookbook" to cancer research. Next I am going to reflect on last years event and be grateful for the unity in our country that came from tragedy and for living in a land that is free. I will show my appreciation to the men and women in uniform by helping the volunteer efforts in my community. I am going to thank God for giving us this country and for the people who run it and work at keeping us free. Finally, I am going to write a note to my family and friends and tell them how much they mean to me.

So on September 11th when your clock shows 9:11 take just a minute and count your many blessings and you may be surprised at just how many you have.

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MyLinda Butterworth lives in Oviedo, Florida with her husband and her two children. She is the award winning author of "For Healths Sake: A Cancer Survivors Cookbook" and also " Just 24 Days Till Christmas." For interviews or additional information call 407-359-9356.