We Will Remember
Although 19 years have passed, I remember watching the events unfold on September 11, 2001. I was a freshman in college. At this point, I had established a routine. My math class was first on the docket on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I was thrilled that it was close to my dorm. The proximity of the classroom made my journey to class a leisurely stroll and not a mad dash.
At that point in time, I was more conscientious of my appearance. What I am trying to say is that I made an effort to look my best. I had not yet morphed into the girl who wore her most comfortable clothes to class. Good Morning America played on the television as I picked out my outfit and fiddled with my lip gloss. Then the strangest thing happened. My usual broadcast was interrupted with breaking news.
An airplane had hit a tower of the World Trade Center. They did not know it was an airplane at the time. Reporters were scrambling to figure out what exactly was happening. I continued to get dressed as the tragedy unfolded. Moving and getting myself ready for the day. Until the second airplane hit. I stopped in my tracks and could not look away from the screen. Sadness flowed from every part of me. It was too much. I turned the television off and walked slowly to class.
When I arrived at class, we were turned around and told that class was cancelled for the day. I walked quickly back to my dorm room to see if the reporters had any additional information. What a long, sad day. As information began to unfold, my panic and anxiety rose. I felt unsafe. I grieved for those who lost their lives. Air travel was suspended. We sheltered in place.
As time passed, stories of survival began to emerge from the rubble of the towers and the Pentagon. We also learned about the lives of many that were lost on that day. Every American’s life was changed on 9/11. Although I lost some innocence that day, thousands lost their lives. On today, I am taking a deep breath and thanking God for another day. I will not ever forget. #wepreach
