I remember being in the 8th grade. That morning I had an orthodontist's appointment.
It was like it was yesterday. I rounded the corner to tell mom I was all good to go that I looked at the small TV in the lobby area and saw the second plane hit. I thought it was movie. I didn't know that something so horrific could happen in real life. Especially not in America where everything is so perfect.
I think that is the moment that I understood the realization that this world is full of evil.
Mom took me on to school and picked me up like normal that day. I really don't remember the stuff that went on at school that day. I guess maybe I was still young and naive. What I do remember is on the way home mom stopping to get a paper from the gas station and seeing it front page, already. Just a few short hours later. I remember not being able to find anything on the radio that was not covering the attack, so we listened to a CD. I remember my dad being home from work early that day and us gathered as a family to see the attacks over and over TV because there was nothing else on, I think we eventually watched a movie. I remember that night we all went to church. The church was packed and many tears were being shed. For weeks and months after I thought how awesome it was that America had grew together (Let me clarify, I did not think what had happened was awesome, but it was awesome to see American stand united in such a trying time in our nation) and the church was full. Then, I sit in church this morning and think where are all of those people now? Why is the church not crowded like it was the months following the attack?
In May of 2009 my mom and I traveled to NYC for a few days, just us girls. (Sidenote- one of the most wonderful trips I have ever been on, such a special time- just my momma and me) I remember walking through the church right there at Ground Zero. Then going to Ground Zero. It was hard to see everything because a giant fence bordered the area. But, it was such an amazing place to stand and just remember what had happen there a few years previous.
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| Through the small opening that we were allowed to look through at Ground Zero. |
I am so proud to be an American. I am so thankful for those people who so unselfishly and unwillingly gave their lives that day. I am also so grateful for our military men and women that give their lives with their families to protect me. I pray for my troops, and I hope that you do the same daily.
On Friday, I tried my hardest to explain to my students the impact of that day. They looked at me like I was making this story up. We watched Channel One (Student News Channel) from September 12, 2001 and I believe it might have been the first time some of my 8th graders had ever seen the footage. They were in disbelief.
This is my favorite picture from that day. I think that it is a true representation of America.
I am proud to be an American. God Bless the USA!
I will never forget.
love-
