Blogaversary, Happy Birthday Daddy, Letter from Matt

One year ago today, I decided to jump on this blogging wagon. I've never been a writer ... still not a very good one, but the friends that I have made... This year, however the tragic events hold a different meaning to me. I believe that because of these events is one of the main reasons that my son wanted to be a Marine ... To fight for what he believed in ... our great country! Today is a very sad day for everyone. I can remember it like it was yesterday, I started my morning routine, called my Dad to wish him Happy Birthday and headed out the door for my 45 minute commute to work. I remember where I was when I first heard the news of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center. I was sitting at a red light, listening to a local morning radio show, when Rusty Mac, who passed away a couple of years ago, said "A plane has just flown into the World Trade Center." I froze.... the light changed and I couldn't move. I remember someone honking their horn for me to go. The very first thought I had was, Oh Lord....how could this be possible. How could an experienced pilot not see the towers? Then I thought, could this be an act of terrorism? I rushed to work only to find those who had gotten to work before me already had heard the news and had the television on watching. As I stood there with the rest of my co-workers watching the first tower burn, I could not believe what I was about to witness. As the 2nd plane crashed into the 2nd building, my knees buckled and my heart broke. How could this be happening? Why? What monster is responsible for this? I cried, my heart went out to thousands of families and people that I would never know. I called my Mom and Dad that morning asking them if they were watching tv. They were.... I told my Mom and Dad that I loved them. Now as I sit here today, 6 years later, my heart still breaks. Not only is it a very sad day for the tragedy of 911, but a sad day for me. My Dad would have been 74 years old today. Daddy passed away Sunday, September 3, 2006. WE SHALL NEVER FORGET! I love you Daddy! Letter from Matt - Momma, Hey sorry I haven't wrote in a long time. I've been busy. I've either been working out during free time or getting ready for the next day. Tell everyone of your friends that I appreciate the stamps and letters. I've just forgot who sent what. Yea, I've got your questions I've just haven't had time. Tell Kaitlin I'm proud of her becoming a cheerleader and to stick int here. This week is Grass Week which is where they teach us how to shoot and next week is fire week where we actually shoot. I weighed 208 by the time I hydrated and ate and got here and now I weigh 185. I only gotta loose 4 pounds till I'm at USMC enlisted standards. Well I gotta go now. I gotta work out. Tell everyone I love them and tell Don Johnson I said Semper Fi and tell Kaitlin I lover her. ** Don Johnson is a retired Marine who lives in our small town.... If I had been home yesterday when the mail arrived I would have kissed the mailman... I do feel some better now knowing that he's still alive and doing good. I am assuming that he has passed everything so far as he didn't mention it... 5 short Wednesday's and we leave for Parris Island 5 short Thursday's and it's Family Day - I will get to see my son for the first time since July 23 5 short Friday's and my son will be a United States Marine!!! SMOOCHES~