Never Forget

I remember what I was doing and where I was when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. I was in 4th grade and enjoying my time in P.E. when I was called down to the front office. I was told to get all of my things and my mother was waiting to take me home. I was so confused because I couldn't think of any doctors appointments or family events...as I walked into the front office I was suddenly surrounded by a room full of crying parents, all trying to get their children out of school. My mom was trying to hold back her tears while grabbing my hand and walking out the door. I could tell she's been crying for a while by looking at her red swollen face. I was totally clueless and as a little girl and seeing my mother cry terrified me a bit. She was griping my hand tight the whole way home. As soon as I walked into the house I saw my grandma, aunt and uncle surrounding the television and then there it was, the towers were crashing down right in front of my eyes. I was in shock and as a 4th grader I couldn't fully grip what was going on but I knew that it wasn't good. Tears and weeping were surrounding me. I remember they were also worried about my grandfather who worked for the government in downtown Dallas. Anything could happen...was his building next? As soon as they evacuated his building he immediately showed up, thank God. Everything after that is a blur to me but as 9/11 creeps around each year I always remember that moment. 

My heart goes out to all of the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic attack. I can only imagine the hurt that they were feeling at that very moment or even as the anniversary comes around each year. Let's take the time to be thankful for the brave fire fighters and remember all of the lives that were taken from us that day. It's amazing to see how such a corrupt and tragic event could bring us Americans even closer together. We are one and together we will never forget! Today we are all New Yorker's. God bless America.