“Obviously he didn’t know who we are.”
Years ago, in the tense aftermath of 9/11, I made quiet arrangements to walk my middle daughter to the gate at Little Rock airport. She was tiny, scrappy, and flying solo between Fort Worth and Little Rock often to visit family. I had the paperwork. I had the plan. More importantly I had permission.
We made it through TSA and had gathered her bags and put our shoes back on when Big Bad Security Guy tore up my authorization in front of us and told me I would not be walking my little girl to the gate. Little Rock had ten gates at the time, you could see them all in one glance.
Before I could react, a Marine stepped in—rifle slung, presence undeniable. He told my daughter to have a pleasant flight and waved us through like we belonged. When we looked back, Security Guy was picking up the pieces of my torn-up paper.
My little girl looked over her shoulder and said, “Obviously he didn’t know who we are.”
I’ve never forgotten that moment. It wasn’t just about airport drama—it was about love, protection, and the quiet power of showing up for your child when the world feels uncertain. Today, that scrappy little girl’s all grown up—married to a wonderful man, mom to her own fierce little one. She’s made Arkansas her own, leading the call to fight gun violence with the same unshakeable spirit. I’ll never forget the video of her up on stage, her daughter right there taking the mic beside her—both guardians in the making, standing tall against fear.
She is still a proud American today.
To the gatekeepers who stand in the way, and the guardians who step in when it matters—thank you. And to my daughter and granddaughter, Annie, keep showing the world who you are. To my Dad, Semper Fi.
To America: We Will Never Forget
#September11 #NeverForget #TheyObviouslyDidntKnow WhoWeAre #GunViolencePrevention #ScrappyLove #MomsDemandAction