9-11-2001 Never Forgotten

8 years ago today, our country's defenses were breached, in one of the most horrifying way I can imagine. The loss of precious life, of national icons, and the heroic actions of the people of this country that day are forever burned into my mind. Things that up until then I had taken for granted I continue to cherish. Its easy to get wrapped in our warm cocoons of safety and forget how easily it can all end. So cling to your family, thank God for each day you draw breath, treasure the memories you make, and remember that the littlest things, such as a child's first steps, laughing with an old friend, or just watching a sun rise, really should mean the most. And remember where you were when the world stopped turning.

How Can It Be?

Has it really been six years since the terrorists flew planes into both of the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon, and that field in Pennsylvania? It is hard to believe that up until then we all thought our country so impregnable, and safe. It is even harder to comprehend the number of people who think we should just let it be and not fight to protect ourselves. To this day I can remember sitting in my second period French class, and having Theresa walk in and say 'Sorry about being late Madam, I had a dentist appointment'. She started to walk out, turned and said 'Oh yeah, and some idiot flew a plane into one of the towers'. The whole classes response was that it was so not funny to joke about something like that...or it was until we turned the radio on and heard them talking about it. Then about fifteen minutes later they reported the second plane hitting. I can still feel the stark terror for all the people who were in those buildings. Then Mom and Dad ripped us out of third period class to get us home in case something more happened. Which naturally it did, with the Pentagon also being hit, and those heroes on the last plane taking it down before anything more could be destroyed.

Here's to all the people lost that day, to the ones who fought and continue to fight for our freedom, and to all those who have lost their loved ones in this fight. You are in our thoughts and prayers.