Magic of Aging October 2008 by R. H. Carter

The senior citizens of Wakulla County receive so much support from our community.

As I visit with you each month, it is difficult to decide which topics I should include in our article. I selected two different services that we make available. I had just began writing when one of our staff members came in and reminded me that it’s time to walk through the pines to the Sheriff’s Office. It was September 11th, and they were conducting a Memorial Service in memory of 9/11 2001. The service began with a moment of silence. During that short period, I reflected on being glued to the television in disbelief as the plane crashed into the second tower and the most painful moment was when the second tower collapsed. At that moment I groaned very loudly. Thousands of people existing in terror believed they had been spared from the plane crash. Firemen, policemen, first responders and many others were entering the building to help save the lives of others. As the building collapsed, thousands perished while I watched. I could do nothing to help and that added to my agony. This scene remains very vivid in my mind and I will carry it to my grave.

This moment of pause was followed by the song “ Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning”. David Miller and Laura Hudson sang this song. It was the first time I had heard it. The words were written in so much detail that all who hear it will identify with them. Jerry Evans played the keyboard while Bobbie Jo Crouch sang “Amazing Grace”, “Star Spangled Banner” and “America”.

Sheriff Harvey introduced those present that had been on tour in Iraq. He then introduced Veterans of other wars. As he concluded, a tall slender gentleman stepped up that was not on the Sheriff’s list. I recognized him immediately. He was Bob Robertson. I had written about him in the October 2007 issue of the Wakulla Times. He told me that he fought in WWII, Korean War and would go fight in Iraq right now if they would let him. Wakulla High ROTC raised the flag and David Miller played TAPPS. Billy Berry’s prayer was so appropriate and to the point.

After the service, several of us stood around talking about the events of 9/11 and the importance of having memorial services to remind us of the horror on that day. The conversation evolved into a discussion of how we sometimes take our freedom for granted. We also discussed all the conveniences we enjoy and how much more comfortable life is as compared to just one generation ago. Our senior citizens have afforded us a lifestyle far beyond anything they enjoyed. We are so indebted to them. During this discussion, I decided to save the two services for future publication and write about the heart-felt experience of September 11, 2008.

This article originally published on September 17, 2008.

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