Remembering Those

Today I remember those police K-9 units that faithfully served in harsh conditions looking for precious people in the midst of the 9/11 attacks.

Photo credit to journalstar.com. We chose to take no photos at 9/11.

It was late at night on September 13th, 2001 when our Nashville team miraculously arrive at the primary entrance "gate" set up around the rubble.  While putting on the work gloves and hard hat, in the dim light of that smokey night, the first brave citizens I was called to serve was a K-9 search unit resting at the rear of the vehicle.  Rest for the dog came only by much effort in the rear cage of the vehicle.  When the K-9 officer found out that I was in a group of church ministers there to serve, she immediately broke down in tears, surprisingly seeking a consolation hug. 

She and her unit had been hard at work for 36 hours straight with hardly any rest.  Yet her tears were not for herself, but for the dog.  She was worried for her K-9 partner who had experienced so much trauma recently.  The officer had noted the dog was becoming edgy, temperamental, and didn't want to go back into the crash zone, even though the forceful commands of the officer demanded otherwise. I remember thinking that it wasn't just the dog that had undergone inordinate amounts of trauma.  I remember my heart breaking for them and being grateful for the ability to pray to our God, who could do more healing in the officer's soul than my own talents allowed.

Today I remember those K-9 units and their sense of sacrificial duty.  Today I remember an officer's care for her partner.  Today I remember those that were sustained for days mostly by prayers and hugs.  Today I remember and I thank you. 


There may come a day when my age and my mind fail me and I cease to remember no more.  For all those who thanklessly served, we regret that we may forget one day your great deeds, but take heart,  our Lord will truly never forget.
 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me." - Isaiah 49:15-16