Remembering...

IN HONOR OF THOSE WE LOST, THOSE WHO REMAINED, AND ALL THE EMERGENCY CREWS!

I don't believe anyone will forget where we were or what we were doing the moment the news broke in with the tragic events of September 11, 2001; just as those who were here when America was attacked before World War 2. Everyone has this horrible event etched into their minds.

As an almost 40 year old, the only thing that ever came close to this horrific event for me, was when our troops were sent to Iraq the first time, Dessert Storm. However, 9-11-01 became a day that none of us will ever forget. If you were to stop any person, any where, and ask them, "where were you and what were you doing on September 11, 2001?" Every one of them can tell. It was the day that many people never believed would happen, and it was the day that many Americans knew would change their lives forever. Even those of us that were not directly affected.

On that horrible day, 13 years ago, that I was getting my 1 year old son ready for his 1st birthday pictures. My husband was working about half hour from home. I sat glued to the news coverage, crying and scared. I held my little boy so tightly and prayed for our safety, the safety of those in the towers and on the ground, and just prayed for guidance for our country.

13 years ago, America as we knew it changed. We went from being a country that was basically untouchable to a country petrified by fear, gripped by disbelief and uncertain of our future. Even through all the horror, tragedy and pain, we pulled together as Americans. You rarely say a home or business without a flag. We started to remember to make time for our families, friends and the important things in life. Through all the tragedy, we became a country of the united front. We were proud to be Americans, proud to stand by our neighbors, proud of our military, and honestly...we were pissed! Something so horrific should never have happened on American soil. We proudly stood by our President, our politicians, and most importantly...by our service members.

On the anniversary of this horrific attack on Americans, and American soil; I ask you all to remember the way you felt that day. Never forget the innocent lives lost to the cowards that attacked us. Never forget the importance of just stopping to enjoy the little things that we all too often forget. Always, always, always, support our troops and their families. These are the men and women that offer the ultimate sacrifice so you are free to have an opinion, even if it is disrespectful. Their families sacrifice time with their loved ones, they worry about their loved ones who get deployed and are the back bone of their family having to keep the family unit going.

On this day, take the time to hug your kids, tell those you love - that you love them, and remember that everything can change in the blink of an eye.

~Salli~