Do you remember where you were when the towers fell? Are you old enough to remember it? Did you lose someone that day?
Most of us old enough to have been able to watch it happen in real time remember exactly where we were, what we were doing and what we were thinking. It was a time of fear, uncertainty, sadness and anger. At least it was for me. I had just gotten my cherubs dropped off at school and was en route to my job. I heard the first plane hit announced on the radio and watched the second one on a TV belonging to one of my co-workers. I speculated with my office mates about what was happening and where the next hit might happen. Sometimes I hate it when I’m right.
I knew we were under attack when the second plane hit. My country was under attack by an unknown assailant. My speculation in this continuing conversation with coworkers – the third hit would be the Pentagon or the White House. Why on earth would I think that? I am an Army veteran. It’s what I would do. It was the next logical step in a coordinated attack. Those with us that day who served were in agreement. Those who had never served thought we were crazy. Turns out we were right.
All I wanted to do that day was run back to the places I had dropped my children, take them back home and hold them. Forever. But I couldn’t. I had to work and they had to be at school. Like everyone else, I went through a range of emotions over the next few days. I cried; I screamed; I shook my head; I watched my children sleep. And every year on the anniversary, no matter where I am, I go through a range of emotions again. Today is that day. It didn’t hit me that it was that day when I got up. It hit me when I opened my social media. It’s not a day that I purposely make note of or set aside to reflect on, but it is a day I find vitally important to remember.
I didn’t lose a relative or friend on that day in 2001. But I did loose other country men and women. I feel for those who did lose someone. I grieve for those lost. I grieve for changes that were made after it happened. And I grieve for things still not changed that should have been. Today I reflect, as I’m sure others do, on the loss. But I am also very grateful for what I didn’t lose that day. I still have my people. I still have my health. I still have the ability to help others where I can. These are the things I take with me and hope others do as well.
Before I get more emotional and stop making sense, let me leave you with this. Love each other, reflect on those we lost that day, then go out and do what you must today!