story3288.xml

story3288.xml

born-digital

story

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2002-09-11

My grandmother,Jewel Melton, died on Sept. 8, 2001. She was 94 years old. Her funeral was held on Sept. 11th in Clarksdale, Ms. She and her husband Doyle, had a large family of 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren. Only Doyle and one grandchild passed on before her. All other survived as her large legacy to life.

Sept. 11 was the day that each family member would share our loss that would change our lives forever. The clear hot Mississippi Morning greeted our greiving hearts.
We had to prepare for our final good-byes.

Since my husband, Paul Hanks, was to sing "The Lord's Prayer" and other songs at the service, we spent the previous night at the Hampton Inn in Clarksdale. He rose early for a small breakfast, and to warm up his voice. I was getting ready to go to the funeral home when he burst into the room and said, "Turn the TV on. One of the Twin Towers is on fire." Our oldest son, Jess, had lived in New York and we were familiar with the towers and their beautiful sight. Our hearts sank when the reports were suggesting that a plane had possibly flown into the tower. Prayers were said for the injured, and for the safe exit of the people in the building. Our eyes were glued to the TV. We kept saying that we must finish getting ready and go to the funeral home. But, as we watched the first tower burning, we were shocked to see a second plane fly into the second tower. We were stunned. We sat in silence as we listened to reports of a bombing of the Pentagon; then, a plane down in Pennsylvania, and, finally President Bush ordering the grounding of all flights in the entire US. We were a nation under attack.

And, yet, we had the funeral to attend. Paul had to sing in just about an hour. I had to say my farewell to a strong, beautiful Lady that had always been a part of my world. My family was joining together in our sorrow. Now, we would arrive with the seed of fear and bewilderment in our hearts as well and the pain of parting.

While Paul and I were staring at our TV, our nephew, Michael, was in a neighboring hotel packing for Washington, DC. He was a firefighter at one of the units called to the Pentagon. His wife and three kids were racing to pack everything and make an emergency drive back to Washington. They would have to miss the funeral. Our Nation's Capitol had been attacked. Mike was needed at home.

The Lord's Prayer was my Mamo's favorite. Prior to her death, she repeated it to or with almost everyone who visited her in the nursing home in Memphis, Tn. During her entire 94 years, her mind was bright and witty. It was only fitting that Paul should sing it at her funeral. It was also printed in her casket. It was a moving experience when Paul sang it at the service. Everyone listened with quiet reverence. There was such a special feeling that the song/prayer was connecting Heaven and Earth. That my Mamo was smiling as she sat in her mansion and heard the sweet music and song. We did not know then that it was within the same hour or two that a brave hero was reciting the prayer on a cell phone in a plane in PA.

The Lord's Prayer soothed our aching hearts. It lifted us to Heavenly heights, and brought angels to our earthly plane. I still sing or recite it almost every day. For more that one reason, to me it is the "Prayer of Sept 11th"

My Mamo was buried on the day the world mourned. Our family had our private mourning, and shared in our countries national mournig. I was in Clarksdale, Ms where I was born. Thoughts of my mortality filled my mind that morning. Thoughts of this world's temporary condition were added by the terrorist attacks. I am passing, this world is passing. "Only what is done for Christ" will last. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done. In earth as it is in Heaven. Amen"

On this day, one year later a stranger stood on Farm Road in Memphis, Tn and handed out free flags to each passing vehicle. I went that way to take my 12 year old sonWill Hanks, to the seventh grade at Harding Academy. I pushed the button to lower the window and gratefully accepted my flag. The stranger said, " Have a wonderful morning. God Bless you" I replied, "God bless you, too."

Will and I recited the pledge of allegiance several times. We emphasized "ONE NATION UNDER GOD". He was meeting his school mates at the flag pole to pray for the families of the Sept. 11 victims. They will pray for our Nation. I hope the say the Lord's Prayer.

I certainly have. I hope you, do too.

God Bless America!