9~11 a Reminder to Carpe diem

  

"What's in a name? Shakespeare said, "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." The same goes for dates, What's in a date? Some dates have significant meanings to nations or groups because of happenings or celebrations that they are associated with. Ten years ago today September 11th or 9~11 as it is now referred to became a date of significance the world over. Before 1944, June 6th was the 157th day in a calendar year, someones birthday, anniversary, but in 1944, June 6th became D-Day and has been known as that for 67 years. Every year is filled with 365 or 366, empty pages. Every day that we are given is a gift to us to be enjoyed to the fullest because we have no guarantee of another one and 9~11 stands as a reminder to us of that. We should take advantage of every moment we're given and not plan on tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come. Every day we are given is a chance for us to write another page in a new chapter of our lives and on September 11, 2010, Bernadette and Chris did just that, wrote a new page in a brand new chapter of their lives.

      A couple of years ago I received a call from Bernadette wanting to plan a September 2010 wedding.  The only Saturday date we had available was the 11th.  Like most people, she hesitated a bit, but talked to her fiance' Chris and they decided that September 11th would be just fine since they were a military couple and that date held a special meaning for them already as it did for most Americans and especially for those in the armed forces.   So, the date was set and we started to work on planning their special day.  They choose a beach house as their venue and invited their closest family and friends.  Talented family and friends offered their time and service which added another special touch to their day.   The wedding cake was baked by a friend in Fayetteville and transported very carefully to the beach, flowers were ordered in bulk and shipped to the beach house where a friend from work prepped the flowers and arranged the centerpieces and brides bouquet.  Yours truly even got in on things and made the bridesmaids bouquets and Groom's and groomsmen's boutonnières.  It was a busy day filled with lots of love and laughter and showers of blessings.....and showers of rain drops as well, but our happy couple and their guests didn't let a little rain get in the way of having a great time.  The rain held off until the ceremony and photos were over, but started to come down right before the outdoor reception began.  Plan B came into play and we moved all of the tables, chairs and DJ onto the covered porch and the party continued.  There was not only singing in the rain, but dancing in the rain as well.  Yes, everyone was on the dance floor (deck) dancing and singing in the rain to "Take Me Home Country Roads"!  All in attendance were there to celebrate and weren't going to let anything rain on Bernadette and Chris' parade! 
    We want to wish Bernadette and Chris a very happy 1st anniversary and thank all of our military families for the sacrifices they make to ensure us Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.   

September 11, 2001

Let Us NEVER Forget!

Scott Smallin Photography