We Remember

Ten years ago today on September 11^th 2001, Americans experienced the worst terrorist attack ever in the history of the United States of America. Read more here.

I remember that Tuesday morning very well. I was in my 11^th grade sociology class when we got the news. My teacher turned on the television and that was our only focus for the remainder of that period and the rest of the day. Now that I think about it, just about everyone was focused on a T.V screen that day. At that point, I don’t think I understood the magnitude of what had just happened. But as the years have gone by, I am constantly reminded of the effects as a result of the attack.

I am reminded every time I travel and I have to take off my shoes to go through airport security. I am reminded when I’m watching my local news and see the images of soldiers that have lost their lives fighting in the war. I was reminded last year when I was in New York and went on a tour in the empire state building. I was on the 86^th floor, looking down and taking in the beauty of the city and for a moment I became terrified at the thought of what if… and immediately wanted my feet on solid ground. Recently, I decided to take the stairs in a building instead of the elevator, and for a moment (I’m not sure why), I looked at the metal bar railings and the hard concrete cement around me.  My heart dropped at the thought of being crushed if the stairs were to give way and collapse. I was immediately reminded of the people that were in both towers that faithful day. Those that were killed immediately due to the impact of the plane going through the building, and those that died due to smoke inhalation, or were burned alive. I also thought about those that were frantically running down the stairs to get out of the building as quickly as they could only for the building to collapse on them. There are so many images I have in my head of what I imagine happened in both buildings, but I’m sure my thoughts do no justice.

For those that lost their lives and the many soldiers that die daily fighting so that we can have a safe home, I salute you. God Bless You and God Bless the United States of America.

My sociology teacher had a special needs son that died before the end of that school year. I remembered him while reflecting today. May his precious little soul continue to rest in peace.

HopefulDreamer