It wasn't until I was driving to work at 7:50 that I remembered what day it is. September 11th. I saw streets lined with flags, and it brought tears to my eyes. I love this country.
That's a lot of flags...I've actually been anticipating this day for the past few days at least...but in the busy schedule of my every day life, I woke up thinking about how tired I still was, what I had to get done today, and so on...
September 11, 2001 changed the nation. And it changed me.
I do not personally know anybody who was killed that day in those awful attacks. But it still affected me. I still cry when I think of all the innocent lives lost; when I remember the images that were displayed all over the television during that day and the days to follow; when I think of the lives lost in the wars we've entered since then. And it makes me sad when I think of those left behind--my heart aches for the people who actually knew and loved people who were killed in those attacks, and killed in the wars.
I do not know anyone who died in those attacks, and I don't have anyone close to me serving our country. But I sure do appreciate them. As divided as this nation is, I still love it. I love the United States of America. I love the freedoms I enjoy--because of the great men who founded this nation, and because of the great men and women defending those rights for me today. I fully recognize that my life is cushy and wonderful. That's not to say my life is perfect or easy...but I've got it good. I enjoy so many freedoms. I get to live my life as I choose. God bless America!
I was a sophomore at BYU-Idaho. It was a Tuesday morning and I was in my weight training class; the news was on the TV set, and all eyes were glued to it. I saw the images but they didn't make sense. I remember thinking, "Who do these people think they are?!" I was angry more than anything. I didn't fully comprehend what was happening...I still don't fully comprehend what happened. But I remember being angry. So as everyone stood around watching the television, I got to work lifting weights.
After I finished my circuits, I walked back to my apartment. I saw people crying and hugging each other. I went home to take a shower and my roommates were in the living room with the TV on. You know what they were watching.
I took my shower and thought about what I had seen and heard that morning. It just wasn't connecting or making sense...
I went on my day as normally as possible; classes were still being held, technically...but in each class, the TV was on, and it seemed more like group counseling than Developmental Psychology or Statistics. -And I think it was probably good and necessary.
Every Tuesday afternoon at 2pm, BYU-Idaho has devotional, and although this Tuesday was unlike any other that anybody had ever experienced, devotional was still held. It was, I believe, the first devotional of the school year. The then-President of BYUI, David A. Bednar, gave the address. I don't recall exactly what was said, but it sure did seem to fit the situation that was directly on top of us. I was still confused about the terrorist attacks, but I somehow felt more at peace...
7 years. 84 months. 364 weeks. 2,557 days...have passed since then. So much has happened in my life in 7 years. I've grown a lot, mentally and spiritually. I've had some great days and some awful days. I've earned 3 degrees, started my career, traveled a bit. I've watched my brothers serve missions. I've gained some sisters-in-law and become and aunt.
My point is...I've lived. I've had days. Life will never go back to the way it was before 9/11/01. But maybe that's a good thing. I think it's good to remember.
6 comments:
I love that everyone remembers exactly where they were, and what they were doing. I was in class, and we all just sat there in silence watching. Thanks for your post.
I agree, what a good post! Its good to take the time to reflect on things. Randy and I were just talking about this today... I don't think anyone will ever forget 9/11
Randy and I were just talking about 9/11 today! I don't think anyone will forget what happened and where they were! It makes you put things into perspective!
What a great post. I remember really well that day, too and it makes me so sad that some people are so against AMerica that they could do something like that. I am also greatful for this beautiful country we live in. You rock!
That is a day that all of us will always remember. I love our country so much!! I always get teary eyed when I hear the National Anthem. God bless America!!
Your post brought tears to my eyes. I was also a sophmore in college and we were living next to each other when that happened. I woke up so happy that day, excited even. I remember singing as I made my bed and then my friend called and told me to turn on the TV and to see what happened. I remember being so sad and felt awful for all the people who lost loved ones. Thanks for a beautiful post.
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