Ground Zero

I spent much of the day, yesterday, watching the History Channel.....and all their 9/11 coverage.

I couldn't imagine witnessing first hand the devastation, or even worrying about the people I knew who may or may not have been in the towers/hotel/or even vicinity.

I am struggling to put into words how I feel about that day....and the days that followed. 

I don't understand how someone, or in this case 19 someones, could choose to murder thousands of people and start an act of terrorism on the United States of America.

I suppose I will start with where I was when "the world stopped turning".  I was sitting in choir during my freshman year of high school.  Our choir director's daughter came into the room around 9:15a (CST).  She pulled her mom to the side, and told her what happened to the WTC.  She was clearly upset....nervous....scared.  No one likes the uncertainty that came on the September day.  She gathered herself, and announced to the class what was happening.

I don't remember how much detail she shared, or what exactly she said....but, I do remember having this numb feeling flow through my body.

The rest of the day was a blur.  I remember watching the coverage on Fox News, we were all glued to the TV.  I think everyone was.  I do remember writing in my journal.  Journaling was my outlet, much like blogging is today, and I just needed to get all my emotions/thoughts and tears out on paper.  I wish I still had that journal entry (and I might at my parents somewhere, but I am not positive) so I could really relive my emotions. 

Although, now that I think about it....maybe I don't want to relive those emotions.

My heart is heavy, even still today, for those lost.  The images of those two planes flying into the WTC will forever be engraved in my memory.

I have no words of comfort for those of who would have lost loved ones, I don't feel I could say anything worthwhile.  I will say, that my thoughts, prayers, and love will continuously go out to you.  I will forever remember those who lost their lives.

I will forever remember walking the streets of New York City, back in 2004.  The sense of loss that overwhelmed me when we visited the site of the devastation.  It reminded me of all those who lost their lives, all the firemen and police officers who gave their lives to help save others, all the self-less people who stopped to help someone in need while trying to escape the cloud of dust and debris that threatened to engulf them.

I will never forget.  Ever.  And I will do my best to share with my children, and everyone around me, the importance of this day.  To remember those who fought to keep us safe.  To keep other peoples needs above their own, and to always celebrate life....because you truly never know when your time will come to an end.