9/11

I will NEVER forget where I was when I heard about the attacks.  As a senior at Baylor, I had major senioritis and regularly decided I didn't need to attend classes.  That day, I remember we were having a big review for an accounting final and so I deigned to wake up on time.  The first plane had just hit the tower when my alarm went off that morning, so I woke up to the radio hosts breaking in about the "accident" - at this point we didn't know that that fateful day would lead to one of the most catastrophic events of our lives.  I immediately turned on my television and watched the live coverage as the second plane hit the second tower and I thought 'oh my god, we're under attack.'  I just knew it wasn't an accident and I knew this wouldn't be the end of it.

I immediately started calling my family in New York - especially by cousin whose campus was a few blocks from the towers.  I called for hours and couldn't get through.  I called my parents to check on them and my siblings but was told everyone was okay and as far as they knew, Kevin and Jenny were safe at school.  I decided to go on to campus and found out classes were cancelled.  We congregated around the tv in the lobby and couldn't believe our eyes.  We watched in disbelief as the towers fell to the ground.  I cried like I have never cried before and wanted to head immediately home to my family.  

Today, eleven years after the attacks, I woke up and kissed my daughter.  Remembering all those who lost sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and countless others, I said a prayer for all the innocent people who lost their lives to senseless fanaticism.  I am extremely saddened but blessed to be able to hug and kiss my daughter daily when so many others are not.  And I wouldn't be able to do that without all the heroes of this country.  I am grateful for all they give up to keep us safe.  

For me, it's not just a slogan.  I WILL NEVER FORGET.