Hard to believe that much time has passed since our nation was attacked… I will never forget hearing the news on the way to work that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers…and about an hour later watching them fall to the ground. It is amazing to think how united we became in the face of attack. One of the memories is the whole Congress, standing together, singing "God Bless America" (I don’t think they have agreed on anything since!).

I am also grateful we had President Bush in office. While his "approval rating" is low, and he gets the blame for far more than he deserves (oil prices, real estate, Starbucks closings, fat calories in hamburgers, you name it he gets the blame!) he was a leader at the time we needed a leader most. Now, before people jump on me, let me be clear that I have not agreed with everything he has done. But, that is what a true leader does…he/ she makes decisions and stands by them, in spite of people not liking it, and takes responsibility for the task at hand. I wonder if either of the two candidates is a strong enough leader to do the same or will they changes their minds to up their approval ratings (which is a scary thought since we are asking the position of President to LEAD!).

I am grateful to have people in all areas of our nation make tough decisions to keep our nation safe from further attacks. I am grateful to our armed forces, who even now at this very moment, are putting their lives on the line to defend freedom. I am grateful we can remember and honor the lives of those who were lost that day, and continue to lose their lives to terrorists all over the globe. I am grateful for our firefighters and police officers who protect and rescues. I am grateful for the USA…we are not perfect but there is the opportunity to live as free people and that can never be taken for granted.