May 1, 2011 is the day OBL was killed. It also happens to be Keefe's birthday. Keefe was home on leave May 1, 2011. While we were preparing a celebration dinner, before he went out with his friend, a breaking news announcement came across the screen that the President would be speaking within the hour. All three of us knew instinctively that it must be something of grave importance. I think all three of us were stunned as the President announced that OBL had been killed.
That evening brought back a flood of memories. My memory of 9/11:
1) Working with a group of Franciscan's holding retreat at Loyola University, who's brother Fr. Michael Judge died in the World Trade Center trying to rescue folks.
2) Helping guest at the retreat house make arrangements for a longer than expected stay due to grounded flights and no rental cars available.
3) Frantically trying to reach a nephew and his wife, praying that they were not traveling that day.
4) Touching base with my children and husband to discuss our game plan for the day.
5) Fearful of the unknown over the course of the next few days.
6) Reflecting on the uncertainty of life.
But with all of this__ the memory that is the most vivid in my mind came at the end of the day. Liam was attending Loyola University and living on campus. His roommate's Dad worked at the Pentagon and he had finally received word that Dad was ok. Keefe and Rory were students in their Freshman and Junior year at Loyola Academy. Keefe had already become very serious about attending the Naval Academy and becoming a Marine Officer.
As we gathered to eat our evening meal together, we prayed for the victims, the perpetrators, all the families affected by the day and the nation. Of course the conversation at the table was all about the day's events. I remember turning to Keefe with the following question. "What are you thinking about military service after today?" I expected the answer to be not sure it's what I want to do now. Instead I got a square look in the eye with the answer "Mom, I want to be a part of the military now more than ever".
Not what I wanted to hear!
Jumping forward 11 years to 2012 I must say while I still don't like the fact that he has chosen to be in the military, I must say I am very proud of him!
He has chosen a path few do:
1) to protect and preserve something that each of us takes for granted most days.
2) to follow his convictions with purpose and courage.
3) to be of service to humanity.
I am grateful that God chose me to be his mother!
Semper Fi!
