11 Sep Remembering September 11 2001
Where were you September 11, 2001?
My 8 year old daughter was not born yet. On the way to school this morning I shared with her what happened on that day. To her, it is just another day where something bad happened long before she was born. I explained the significance and answered the hard questions the best that I could. To those of us who experienced that day – we will never forget it.
I was living in Washington, DC at the time and I was in Orlando, FL for work. I remember seeing the twin towers come crashing down on TV live. We watched in horror as so many lost their friends, loved ones, parents, children, co-workers and their own lives for reasons that we will never fully comprehend.
Airports were closed everywhere
I remember renting a car and driving North. I wanted to get home. I drove 14 hours straight and passed the smoldering Pentagon on my drive. I had some friends that worked there. That image is embedded in my mind forever.
Over the following weeks I watched how tragedy and terror brought people together, not further apart. I watched compassion surround us and I watched heroes emerge. I watched people care about others and let go of insignificant daily complaints.
I watched, even if for a temporary time, many people APPRECIATE what we have. I watched “entitlement” disappear for a while.
I appreciate America even more now
I remember September 11, 2001 as a day that changed so many of us forever. I realize this country is not perfect, but not a day goes by that I do not feel fortunate to live here.
We take so much for granted daily. I often feel that Americans are hated due to so many of us being entitled and NOT appreciating the opportunities that we have.
Embrace and love what you are fortunate to have. And NEVER forget….
-Natalie Jill
