September 11... then and now

September 11, 2001... It was my senior year of nursing school. I woke up that morning and drove to work. As I was on my way I was listening to the radio and heard the DJs begin talking about an "airplane crash" in New York.
As they continued to talk I listened as they watched the second Tower get hit by the hijacked plane...
I listened as they realized that these were attacks and that they were intentional.
Once I arrived at work we called and had someone bring us a TV so we could see what was happening.
As we watched the Pentagon get attacked and then heard of the brave Americans who took down Flight 93 the reality of it all set in.

Who would attack the United States?
We were not at war... why was this happening?

We went home for the day. As I got out of my car my dad asked why I was home and I remember telling him that "America is under attack!" I remember watching the news stations just wanting more and more information and answers.

I remember the tears,
the sadness for all those people who were lost,
the fear of what would happen next.
I remember wanting the fear to go away
and the safety that I once knew to come back.

The next few days were spent watching more "coverage." I do remember the day I was driving to clinicals and I remember seeing one of the first planes that was allowed to fly again in Columbus. As I drove up the freeway and watched it fly through our city buildings, I remember the fear that I was about to witness the same type of attack in my own home and what it was like for those who watched it in New York. I still remember watching that plane...
I remember thinking mostly of the impact this situation had on the firefighters in New York.
(at this time in my life, there were no military attachments for me) I remember thinking about

MY HERO
the firefighters
my dad

I remember dad saying that he wanted to go help with the search and rescue and how proud of him I was for what he does. Daddy's Girls heroes are always (and will always be) their daddy's. I remember not wanting him to go because I didn't want anything to happen to him, as I had watched the Towers collapse. Dad's department didn't send anyone, but he was on the list to go.

I remember thinking... What now??

September 11, 2009...
As I started writing the date last night at work it started to hit me.

I have always remembered the day
and thought about those who were lost
and thought about where I was that day...

Today it was harder.
Today I also remember that my guy is gone
and fighting for our freedom
Today I miss him, but am so proud of him
and so proud to call him My Hero as well

To hear the songs, to see the many tributes from friends and others. To see the reactions as people ask "what's today's date?"... these all brought more emotion today than I expected. The memories and emotions are just as strong, probably stronger, today than they were 8yrs ago.

Who would have thought this is where I would be?
In love with a Navy Jet Pilot.

Knowing that he has made a choice
to give of his time and life to serve and protect our country.
And knowing that I have chosen to support him in every way I can.
Today I not only think about BW
but also about all the friends we have made along this journey.
The ones who are home and the ones who are away.

Today, I am proud to be a part of this crazy Navy life
and am proud to call him mine.

I remember those who were lost
I remember those who were directly affected
I remember those who are fighting today to keep us safe.