The American Flag

It was also a time of great adversity and sorrow for all North Americans. It had only been days since the September 11 attack by terrorists on the United States.

Driving along a Canadian prairie road that day, I saw a huge load of trucks and other vehicles and, as I neared, I saw people on horseback. There were cowboys and cowgirls out in the middle of nowhere on their horses and I could see two flags were flying, the Canadian flag and the American flag. The group was traveling south toward the border.I became choked with emotion at this sign of togetherness. I had no idea what was going on and later, when I discovered what it was all about, I wished I had stopped and asked. It turned out they were traveling down to the border to meet American riders. The Canadian cowboys were collecting cash along the way and, when they arrived at the border, they gave what they had gathered.

Everywhere I go, neighbors, friends and relatives look for ways that they can express to the American people that their thoughts and prayers are with them. Canadians look for ways to help and make a difference. It looks like a good number in the cowboy community found a way that helped them cope. It was also a good fundraiser.

As I left the small town where I'd driven to attend the funeral, rain drops touched my windshield. Good, I thought, with this drought perhaps we'd see a bit of rain. I felt as if the rain drops were representative of the tears of angels for their joy at being reunited with grandpa Orban.

Suddenly it was as if the sky opened and the rain became so forceful that visibility was difficult. I slowed to a crawl and it was then that I saw it. Large and glorious, whipping in the wind, perched atop an irrigation watering system, water still pumping out, flew a flag! It was an American flag, to honor the thousands who died September 11.I was so greatly affected that I began to cry. I thought about all those lives ending so abruptly. And yet I cried too because I was so touched by the warm act of love demonstrated by a single farmer. This Canadian farmer was flying the American flag sending out his message of respect and love to his American neighbors to the south. The farmer erected the American flag to pay tribute and say with his actions what words just couldn't say. "We're with you, dear friends. We are with you in spirit. We ache for you. We cry for you. We pray for you. We will not forget" That farmer was one who made a difference and all who passed by would be touched in some way. I surely was.

Then the storm was suddenly gone and I passed into the most glorious sunshine. The feeling was unbelievable. I felt like God was sending a promise for better things to come.

"I later discovered that Sears has promised to match every dollar we contribute to the disaster fund in the U.S.A. so gratefully, although I had missed giving to the cowboys, I was able to make a donation. I believe in the power of prayer. I know that prayers are continuing for all the people in the United States and for all those who have been affected in some way. My own prayers continue."

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byEllie Braun-HaleySubmitted for Ellie byGeorge PrinsEllie and her husband Shawn are the editors for two Internet Web sites and newsletters,Angels On EarthandFor Goodness Sake At Eagle Creek Publishers,