Never Forget

Ten years ago today, I was getting ready to make my way into work at the House of Flowers, when I got a call from my Mom. She told me to turn on the TV. A plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers. Naturally we both wondered if it was an accident. I even remember telling her that was the only conclusion. This couldn't be a deliberate attempt on American lives. We weren't at war. 

It just couldn't be a deliberate attack... 

I continued getting ready. Brushing my teeth, putting on shoes, making the bed, etc. All the while, watching the news coverage but assuming this was a terrible accident. Within the next few minutes, everyone's fears had be realized. I watched in horror as the 2nd plane crashed into the 2nd tower. Minutes later the towers fell. I was in shock. I was horrified. I even thought about how I had been to the top of the World Trade Center in high school. Were there other tourists there that day, like I had been just a few years back?

In my mind I knew I still had responsibilities, so I got in the car and went to work. As I walked in everyone was standing around listening to the radio thru the speakers on the phone systems. No one was really saying anything, just listening to the newest information. We answered calls that day and delivered flowers just like other days, but it wasn't like any other day. I had to leave work for a night class, but we were dismissed immediately so we could be home with our families. I went home alone with a sense of uneasiness I had never felt before or since that day. I was a 19 year old junior in college. I could have never been prepared for that day. 

I remember the images and video of the sirens, smoke, fires, people jumping from buildings, firemen covered in dust, explosions, people walking and people running, debris flying everywhere, even silence. I also remember how I felt. I was so scared, so helpless, so confused. How was this happening? These memories are so fresh it all seems like it happened yesterday.

I've often wondered how my life was changed by the events of September 11, 2001. I wonder if Josh would have joined the Marine Corps. There are so many what ifs, but none of them really matter now. This is our reality. I can't express the appreciation I have for all members of the armed services who decided to join or continue to stay in the military because of the terrorist who decided to kill innocent Americans that day. I can't fully understand what it is like to take that oath to protect America from "all enemies, foreign and domestic" but I appreciate the men and women who have made that choice. They protect me, my family, and our way of life so I don't have to. I try to never take that for granted because we are so blessed to live in a country where we are free to pursuit our own version of happiness. Prayers still go up for the families who lost friends and loved ones, though words will never really be enough to cover their sadness. 

I watched some footage again today, and I was rocked by the events all over again. I remember. I hope we never forget.