Diary entry from Imandra Johnson

My daughter, Angel and I were coming home from school on Monday, October 22, 2001 when we met up with the runners. We passed them as they changed off, we honked our horn and waved. I suddenly got the idea to go home, which was a little way up the road, and get my flag from my yard. We went to the highway where the runners were to pass, our intention was just to wave the flag to give encouragement. But , as we saw them approach my daughter started to sing "America the Beautiful." I joined in and started to wave the flag. As the runners got closer, they asked us to join them in the run. They handed my daughter the flag, which she held with pride. The runners talked to her and were just wonderful. She is only seven, but she was deeply moved. When we finished our short run, she just burst out in tears. This was a very special time in our lives. I feel that this has helped in our healing. May God richly bless each and every runner with the strenght to run and hold "Old Glory" high. Thank you for this experience. GOD BLESS AMERICA. Our love and prayers go out to all that were involved in the September 11, tragedy.

Imandra Johnson
Cottondale, Alabama
imandra68@yahoo.com