It's hard to believe that it's been 13 years since fear and chaos struck America.
I personally only remember waking up early before school and finding my mom watching the news. Her usual laundry folding had halted as news reports were showing the madness. I didn't get it. I didn't cry. I wasn't scared. It was bad, but I didn't realize how bad at the time.
Since then, I've shed tears for the fallen. I've cried for those who lost their lives unjustly, those who sacrificed themselves, and those who were affected by this horrific incident in very deep ways and may still be suffering.
Since then, I've been scared. I remember hearing rumors of possible attacks on the northwest. For a while, I was scared anytime my dad took a buisness trip anywhere, for fear that I may not see him again.
Since then, I've realized the effects that one event can have on the world. I've realized just how bad it was. Its effected too many people to count and will continue to do so. It's something that no one will ever forget.
But since the day the towers fell, we have come so far. The memory burns bright, but it does not bring fear. For me, it brings hope. There is hope that life gets better.
Today there was sunshine. There were friends who smiled and talked. There was a college football game. My husband made me laugh. I was thoughtful of what day it was, but I had a hope that slowly but surely, America's wounds were healing. Life moves on and the most important thing is the lessons learned.
In honor of 9/11, I try to be more understanding of people and less judgmental. I try to comfort those who need it. I try to be a source of good in the world, because that is what the world needs after being terrorized. I try to hope more and fear less.
What will you try to be, in order to honor 9/11?
