story6867.xml

story6867.xml

born-digital

story

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2002-09-12

Although we were half a continent away, Kansans felt the rumble of the world shaken on September 11, 2001. We continue to feel the aftershocks as our aircraft industry community experiences layoffs and closings. On September 11, I hugged my then 3-year old son extra tight that afternoon after picking him up early from daycare. Since then, I never miss a chance to give him an extra kiss or tell loved ones that I love them. The most recent and deepest tremor was the April 2002 death of a close friend?s son in Afghanistan as he served in the Army. His fate was sealed that day in September as his base went on alert in San Diego and months later as he was sent to join troops near Kabul. The events are unexplainable to me and are especially so to the parents of a loving son who knew that he had a dangerous job but chose to continue so that others may not be harmed. I believe more than ever that we are all here on borrowed time and have come to a better understanding that each day is one more chance to get it right. It may be the last chance. Each day truly is a gift.