As I think about that very sad Tuesday morning of 10 years ago, the wave of memories came flooding back to me this morning. This is a very emotional day for me but I cannot begin to imagine the pain felt by those who lost friends, family, loved ones, children, parents, husbands, wives, etc. I remember how frightened I was when I realized this tragedy was a terrorist attack. I was more frightened when I learned that there were planes that flew out of Boston. My brother travels quite a bit. I joke that he has accumulated so many frequent flyer miles that it will take several lifetimes to use them all. He is from Boston and flies out of Logan International. I had a hollow feeling, wondering if he was flying that day. I finally got through to my sister-in-law who stated that he was not flying that day and I remember how grateful and relieved that I was that my brother was ok.
I was working as a police officer that day and after learning about the first plane, I returned to my police department to see the news broadcast of the tower being hit. About 5-7 of my fellow officers were watching the broadcast when we saw the second plane hit. I remember how hard it was to work while wrapping my brain around what had just happened. As the day went on and we learned that the FAA was stopping all air traffic and landing every plane in the country, it was the first time I realized just how many planes fly at one time. I also remember how eerily quiet the skies were.
All I wanted to do was to be close to my family.
As we take a moment to remember, think about what we lost as a country, but also remember what we have gained. Despite our differences, whether, political or idealogical, we, as a country, are still standing, still strong, and still here.
Take a moment, today, to remember those lost, but to also hold those you love. Life is fleeting. Take time to smell the roses and enjoy the company of those you love.
September 11, 2001 - September 11, 2011
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
