[Grovenet] It's been almost 6 years . . .

[Allen Warren]

In the latest addition of The Ohio State Alumni magazine is the following essay from David L. Beamer, a graduate of tOSU and father of Todd Beamer.  Todd is best remembered for his statement on the ill-fated Flight 93 on September 22, 2001: "Are you guys ready?  Let's roll."

Seize the day
The last words from my son, Todd, were a call to action, a signal to launch the first counterattack on our enemy in the skies over Shanksville, PA., on a clear blue September day six years ago.
            Todd and 39 other people – the passengers and crew aboard United Flight 93 – chose to do the right thing at the right time.  Their actions required the greatest sacrifice.
            It is a blessing that they had the opportunity to fight back.  Though they were killed in action, their counterattack was successful.  They were the only casualties of that part of the enemy’s plan.  There was no additional loss of life on the ground.  The Capitol in Washington, D.C., remained intact.  The people working and visiting there that day were unharmed.
            From time to time, I still encounter the phrase “Let’s roll.”  Each time, I fell both pride and pain.  I remind myself that those words are a call to make a choice.  Do the right thing at the right time, without delay.
            We make choices every day.  The right choice may involve service or sacrifice – sometimes great, sometimes small, but a sacrifice nevertheless.  The right choice may require taking the high road and the hard road.  When a choice needs to be made, it may help to remember Todd and his final words.
 
            THE DATE was Aug. 26, 2001.  Todd and his wife, Lisa, were preparing to drive home following a family celebration.  I gave Todd a hug and said, “Love ya, Beam, be careful.  See ya later.”
            Sixteen days later, I knew this moment, now vivid in my mind, would be my last earthly memory of being with my son.
            It is such a blessing to have so many good memories of Todd.  I now treasure our family pictures from that summer weekend and the thoughts of our last goodbye.
            I share this so that it might encourage others to be intentional about the memories they make.  I realize that on that day, Todd and Lisa might have been anxious to get on the road and beat the traffic.  My wife, Peggy, and I might have been too busy to say no more than a hurried goodbye to them.  And so we might have missed what turned out to be our final chance to create a memory together.  I am so glad we were not.
            I now have a greater appreciation of the day we do have – today.  Today holds opportunities for all of us.  Today, we can make a memory with a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, a child, a customer, a new friend.  Spend more time with loved ones.  Take more family photos.  Be intentional.  Every day, we are given the opportunity to build a storehouse of memories, not regrets.
 
            THE 9/11 ATTACK has given me a better focus on matters of real importance and priority, and a greater appreciation for the blessings of faith, family, friends, and freedom.  The blessings my family and I enjoy here in the United States are more realized, more prized, and a cause for gratefulness and joy, daily.  But they have come with a great price.
            The attack rocked our world.  The enemy continues to fight against us.  It has not surrendered.  Its mission to dominate and take away the free will of an, and all the liberties that go with it, has not changed.
            This enemy must be defeated if our way of life is to be preserved.  There is room for discussion and debate about the best path to victory, but win we must.  Our security and peace depend on it.
            To those who have helped protect our blessings of life, liberty, freedom, and security by service, sacrificing, and leading, I offer my gratitude and my prayers.
            And to those families who get the terrible call about the loss of a son or daughter, the call the defines the worst day of one’s life, I offer my heartfelt condolences.
            Carpe diem.  Let us all seize the day.
 
David L. Beamer is a retired business executive now serving as special assistant to the president of Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tenn.  He adds, “Nov. 24, 2001, would have been Todd’s 33rd birthday.  The score: Ohio State 26, Michigan 20.  A bright spot on a tough day . . . “
 
Allen Warren


       
____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.
http://farechase.yahoo.com/