The End of the Day

      I thought of Lisa Beamer yesterday. You may remember her as the widow of Todd Beamer. He was hailed as one of the heroes of 911. She has been both the face of heroism and criticism. In her attempt to turn what was meant for evil into some good, she established a foundation in memory of her husband. The foundation was created to assist children traumatized by tragedy.

     Most of our knowledge of the Beamers has been through media portrayal. The media’s perception changes as often as their ratings. Trusting the media to form our opinion of any person place or thing is, at best, negligent. As with most of us, there are undoubtedly few people who truly know us. Personally I have been dismayed and mystified by those who think they know me. I too am guilty of making those incorrect assumptions. I too must constantly pray for God to remind me to see through His eyes.

     One thing I am sure of; Lisa and Todd Beamer or any of the 911 families did not expect what was to be at the end of their day on 9-11-01. None of them planned or thought of anything but the usual end of day routine. Lisa commented that one of the painful reminders of Todd’s loss was the sound of the garage door opening. She said that had been the best part of their day as a family. When the garage door sounded, Todd was safely home. The family united in love, laughter and hugs. That sound now pierced her heart.


     Yesterday was a miserable day weather wise. There were torrential rains and funnel clouds throughout the mid south. My husband would be driving home through the exact route the weather bureau warned was the worst possible. I called and asked him to stay over if the weather was threatening. He said he would but doubted it. Just like the rest of us, at the end of the day, he wants to be home.

     I prayed harder than usual for his protection and wisdom. It was all I could do to not constantly call and check on where he was. Knowing that would be another potentially dangerous distraction, I resisted the temptation. His safety was totally out of my control. The best thing I could do was to pray and prepare a warm meal for his homecoming.


     Admittedly my heart raced a bit when the cell phone rang. A tired but safe voice on the other end said he was almost home. He had taken a longer but safer route home. I was somewhat relieved. However, just like Lisa, it was the sound of the garage door opening that gave me total peace that my husband was safely home.

     Dan has asked me to help with his eating habits.  We are both trying to eat healthier. After his first bowel of Taco Soup, he asked through bleary eyes if he could have another.  Tonight - you betcha'!







Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 11:33-36  
(Scripture verse on Todds's memory card for 9-11-01 - "Let's Roll")