The World Turned Upside-Down

September 11, 2001.  March 25, 2016.  November 24, 2024.  September 28, 2025.  These are days when time stood still and our world suddenly turned upside-down.  There have been others, for sure, but these have been some of the most difficult days we’ve had to deal with in our 34 years of marriage.

Julie:

September 11 needs no explanation.  March 25 is the day my mom took her last breath after 3 months in the ICU after a failed surgery.  On November 24, John’s dad lost his battle with Alzheimer’s.  And September 28 was the day we were told to leave our church and get home to safety as an active shooter was at a church just a few miles away.  John could see the fear in my eyes as we hustled out to our car and drove off.

We didn’t know what was happening – that 5 lives would be lost that day and countless others shattered forever in a horrific, senseless act of violence in our quiet little town.  We didn’t know why.  All I kept thinking was, “That could have been us.”  Our world had shifted and suddenly the earth under our feet felt more like quicksand than rock. 

We were in a daze as we watched the events unfold.  We held each other close and mourned with our neighbors during the vigil service held the following evening.  Our hearts felt heavy as we went through the motions of life.  We were living in an unimaginable reality where our home, our neighborhood, and our town no longer seemed safe.

John:

But there was also good that came out of this tragedy.  Stories of acts of courage and kindness flowed.  Politics were cast aside as the community came together.  We were deeply touched when friends across the globe reached out to us.  And Julie and I once again turned towards each other, holding each other up as we tried to sort out our feelings about all that had happened.  We were a little more patient, a little gentler with each other.  We shared what was on our hearts.

We were once again reminded of the fragility of life, that none of us is guaranteed to see another sunrise.  We took the time to say just how much we love each other. We shared what we treasure about each other.  We told our kids, our remaining parents, our siblings, and our friends, “I love you.”  We hugged a little harder and kissed a little more tenderly, taking the time to savor what will someday be gone. 

When a crisis arises, we have a choice.  We can turn away from each other and try to handle the situation on our own.  Or we can turn towards each other and lean on each other for support.  When Julie and I got married, we promised to be true to each other in good times and in bad times – and we have been.  We’ve had to face some really  challenging situations, but we’ve chosen to face them together and that has brought us closer.  When the world around us seems to be falling apart, we hold on tight, knowing that our love has the power to hold it together.

John & Julie:

None of us knows what tomorrow will bring.  If you’re reading this, we suggest you stop right now and go tell your spouse how much you love and appreciate them.