9/11

I remember driving to work in the morning listening to the radio when an announcement came that an airplane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City. My first thought was, what are the odds that a pilot would lose control of its airplane and not be able to steer it away from such a big building. Back then I was thinking it was a small Cessna type plane crashing into some windows on the side of the building.

Later that morning as I was sitting at my desk still listening to the radio I hear the announcement that a second plane had crashed into the adjacent tower. As coworkers, we gathered together and began to share the information we had heard from different media sources trying to make sense of what was happening. It was unfathomable for us to think about the possibility of what was actually occurring.

Three years later I had the opportunity to be at Ground Zero for the anniversary of 9/11. I think that is when it finally sunk into me. Witnessing the destruction. Imagining the shock, chaos and suffering. Remembering the recounts of that tragic day as I looked at what was left really shook me. Yet I also saw the outpouring of love from people of all backgrounds and social status. There was a Harley Davidson clan that rode along with their US flag bandanas and smaller flags hanging from their motorcycles. There were the many photos of those that perished with descriptions of their sacrifice for others, of their love for life and family, taped to the chain linked fence that separated us from the rubble of the past.

This afternoon I explained to Emilia why today is such an important day to remember. How blessed we are for our freedoms and that although sometimes others try to scare us by hurting those around us, we value our liberty and should not give in.

She was sad to hear that good people were hurt but she also is beginning to understand the sacrifice that others have made so that we may enjoy the blessings we've been given as citizens of this wonderful country.