September 11th, 2001, is a day many of us will never forget. I’m sure, like myself, most of you can remember exactly where you were, what you were doing, and even what you were wearing when the news of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center south tower had been reported. Most people my age remember being at school, and having televisions rolled into the classroom to watch the news coverage. However, I was at home sick for the day, and was watching the live news coverage with my Grandma. I had been asleep in her bedroom when she woke me up telling me a plane crashed into one of the World Trade Centers. I was a little groggy, and didn’t quite comprehend what she had said to me until I walked into the living room, and saw it plastered all over the news. I can’t really explain my initial reaction besides “confused”. I think most of us were confused though. We were confused because in the beginning we didn’t even realize we were being attacked by terrorists, but believed a plane may have lost control and made an unfortunate crash into the building. It was once the second plane crashed into the second World Trade Center, on live television, that all of our confusion turned to fear and sadness. These emotions were only heightened once we heard of the third plane aiming for and hitting the Pentagon, but thankfully the plane was full of courageous people who had the opportunity to take a stand before more lives were lost in the Pentagon. What stood out to me then, and still to this day, was the realization of that horrible day in history, and being alive to live through it. As a middle schooler at the time, we spent so much of our time in classrooms learning about the atrocities that have happened in history, but it seemingly being so far out of reach because we weren’t around for it. And here we were, living a history that our children, and grandchildren and every generation to come, would read about in text books, also feeling so far removed from it.

Fourteen years later and we’re still feeling the effects of this disaster in everyday life. Whether it’s the constant reminder for those who lost loved ones, those who survived this vicious attack, those who walk by the memorial in New York City every day, those who have lost a loved one in the war against terror, or those families who are still torn apart because their loved one(s) are currently serving tours in Afghanistan or Iraq. (As a military spouse, I pray everyday for those spouses and children who lost Fathers and Mothers in this war.) I also pray for those who still battle the demons of losing someone close to them on, or directly related to, such a tragic day.

Today, I will spend the entire day with my family. As I enjoy the day with my family, I will be thinking of all of those families who lost loved ones, and continue to remind myself how blessed I am to spend this day, and any day, with those I love. Today, I hope we all remember how much damage evil and hatred can do, and in return, share as much love and positivity as we possibly can. Love is so much greater than hate, and I pray that all sadness be turned into joy.

No matter how many years go by, we will always remember 9/11/01.

Brie <3

[09.11.15]