Remembering

Today marks 6 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks... where were you when you heard the news? Kyle and I were in Sociology at Appalachian just after the first plane hit... he was the one who told me. I remember thinking- how could they run into a building, how come they didn't see it? I'm so lucky to live in a country where I feel safe... the thought of an attack never crossed my mind... The second plane hit during class... and mass panic struck.

I think today about all of the people who lost loved ones on September 11th. How many of their kids started Kindergarten this year? How many people are just learning to love again? How many parents had to bury their children? Are they healing?

And I try to think of the good that came out of the day...

I think of the firefighters, police officers, Good Samaritans and volunteers that sprung into action to help put the pieces back together again... we are lucky to live in a country where people do good deeds, care for one another, give unselfishly of themselves.

I feel lucky to have troops fighting overseas to protect us... so that I can have the freedom that I took for granted 6 years ago... and that I respect so much more now. If we remember only one day a year, stop to think how lucky we are, how many wonderful things have happened in the past 6 years... I graduated from college, met Mike and fell in love, got married, took my first real job, bought a home, spent time with my family and friends, got to know my grandparents, celebrated another 8 years with Mom... all things that make America an amazing place to live...

So today I want to thank you for being a part of my life... for teaching me, loving me, supporting me... thank you to our troops, our volunteers, our country's leaders. I challenge you to live every day to the fullest, give back, love your neighbors, try hard to do your best... we aren't promised tomorrow... so let's be thankful for each and every day!