Remember

I wanted to post this yesterday as it seemed fitting for the day, but I didn't find the time until today. I remember six years ago on September 11th - I got up early (we were living on the west coast - it was 6 am or so) to take a walk before work, something I had not done in a while. I loved to listen to NPR while I walked and so I turned on my radio and listened. Then all of sudden, the programming went out and a few minutes later the report about the plane hitting the first tower came in. I thought it was a joke - but who would joke about such a thing? The more I listened to the reporters repeat the same information, it began to register. I went home and turned on the the television - just in time to see the second plane hit the tower. I couldn't believe it still. Ryan came home from his run and then we watched to replay and then we went to work together. That day was surreal. There were such varying reactions from my co-workers- anger, sympathy, depression, seeming ambivalence (although I don't think it was real - who could not care on a day like that day?). I went home for lunch, turned on the television and sobbed as I watched again what had happened in New York and heard about Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. That day, I wanted to do something to help, but I didn't know what to do. I often remember this day and I still want to do something, but often lack the initiative or organization. Does anyone else feel like this? What do you do to feel like you are contributing in some positive way? I did find a small thing I could do.

Have you heard of the Mother's Day Project? Basically, Anne Landre is organizing a project where the names of fallen female soldiers are embroidered on muslin (by volunteers - this is where you and I come in) and then she will take these names and make them into a tote. The tote will then be passed through the participants, each to use it for a week or so, taking it to the grocery store, to church, the library and hopefully giving them the opportunity to share about the project. I first heard about this project on one my favorite podcasts, Craftsanity, a couple of weeks ago. Immediately, I knew I wanted to be part of it.
So, here is my name....Alicia A. Birchett. I haven't found out anything about her yet, but I plan to and I'll share when I do. I believe Anne is still looking for volunteer stitchers, no experience needed, so go on over to her blog and volunteer, if you feel so inclined.