We Remember 9/11
I remember where I was.
It was a school day and I was at home getting ready. My mom came into my room and told me planes had crashed into the World Trade Center. When I watched it happening on the news, it still didn’t quite hit me.
Later, when I went to class, kids were talking. They knew people in those buildings. They had family out east.
It suddenly hit me. This was really happening.
You probably remember where you were too.
As the years go on, we don’t think about it like we did when it first happened. But every day I go to work, I’m reminded of its aftermath. The TSA lines. Guarding the flight deck door. Layers and layers of security before even placing one toe on the airplane.
It’s important to remember this day, because it forever altered the way we live. It’s important to me because it reminds me to be more caring to others, more appreciative of my friends and family who are still with me. It reminds me to be more compassionate, but to also be aware of what’s going on around me.
I met a man on my flight from Orange County today. He was a retired firefighter, on his way to Denver to compete in a stair climb in honor of fallen first responders in 9/11. You must wear the whole firefighter uniform, about 50 pounds. He’d done so many of these climbs over the years he’d lost count.
I hope you take a moment today and remember those who are gone. But also remember those you love and be kind to those you don’t know yet.
I wish you peace and love as you move forward through this day and many more to come.
-Kelly
