We can’t forget the wake-up call

“The privilege of prayer, to me, is one of the most cherished

possessions, because faith and experience alike convince me that God

Himself sees and answers, and His answers I never venture to

criticize. It is only my part to ask.�

-- Wilfred T. Grenfell

There was a progressive build-up about it over the last days,

weeks and months. It was the focus and feature in the media as well

as the cause of countless special services, ceremonies and

observances. It’s been in the forefront of our thoughts, on the tip

of our tongues and in the breath of our prayers. It was the

anniversary of the day tragic terror forever changed our lives, the

day we saw both the worst and best of mankind.

It was, as we all well know, Sept. 11. Like many of you, I prayed

before and throughout the day. I prayed that the victims and heroes

would be honored. I also prayed that God would guide and protect the

events and that he would be honored and turned to, not only last

Wednesday, but every day.

I joined six friends for a refreshing bike ride. We were somber

and mindful of the significance of the day, but we were also thankful

for the privilege and beauty of our freedom, our friendships and the

outdoors. One friend named Leslie led us to the bluffs above Big

Corona Beach to join hundreds of others watching the ceremony with

the tall ships.

Many of you were there. People came by land and by sea. Walkers,

bikers, strollers, dogs and more lined the bluff above the beach in a

patriotic display of support. Boats from as small as one-man kayaks

to the massive tall ships circled below us. We heard that one of the

ships carried Orange County residents who lost loved ones on that

terrible day.

The ceremony started at 8:30 a.m. At 8:46, we squinted to see the

three wreaths placed in the water to represent the three sites and

watched others add flowers. Around me, I saw people pray, others held

hands, some talked and others cried. We were fortunate that a city

employee with a walkie-talkie was nearby and kept us informed. He

told us when they were about to sing “God Bless America� on the

boats. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hear it, but the moment begged for

the hope and unity of the song onshore as well. My friends thought

the same thing, and we soon started singing “God Bless America.�

Others joined us. We were colorful, dressed in bike clothes, which

included helmets and red, white and blue bike jerseys. Several people

took pictures and one photographer named James Holb nicely e-mailed

us a copy. Thank you, James.

The ceremony finished with a water display from the Harbor Patrol

boats and the ships raised their sails. It was all meaningful and

memorable.

Like many of you, we recalled what happened a year ago. Many of us

heard or spoke the phrases: “Wake-up Call,� “We Remember� and “Let Us

Never Forget.�

The questions I want to ask daily are: How am I answering the

wake-up call? Have I forgotten the message of that call? Am I

remembering to pray?

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.