Reflecting on 9/11 | 10 Years Anniversary

Today marks the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, a day that forever changed our country. As I’ve been reading some of my favorite blogs this morning, I noticed a common theme — everyone is sharing their stories about where they were on September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center was attacked.

Reading through their reflections brought back so many of my own 9/11 memories. Reflecting on 9/11 made me realize just how clearly I remember where I was and how I felt that day, so I decided to write my own September 11 tribute.

Where I Was on September 11, 2001

It was my senior year of high school, and I was sitting in Mr. Riley’s 12th-grade biology class. We were working on a lab assignment, sitting at the lab tables, and my then-boyfriend and I were listening to Queen’s We Are The Champions.

It felt like any other day — until someone came to the door and quietly passed a message to Mr. Riley. After they left, he walked over to the record player (he was an old-school kind of teacher) and turned off the music.

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He told us he had some very sad news — a plane had just flown into one of the Twin Towers in New York City. He turned on the classroom radio, and we all sat there in silence, listening to the live coverage.

Minutes later, we heard the announcer say a second plane had hit the other tower. It was no accident — this was a terrorist attack.

Trying to Understand What Was Happening

At 17 years old, I didn’t fully understand what was happening. I had heard the word “terrorist” before, but I didn’t really know what it meant. All I could think about was, “Are they coming here next?”

In my teenage mind, I was sure that after New York, they would target the next biggest city — Chicago — and then somehow, they would find their way to my little town of St. Charles, Illinois. My high school had even been on the news recently because of a mold issue, so I was convinced they knew we existed. Looking back now, my logic was all over the place, but at the time, the fear felt very real.

The only small comfort I had was knowing my boyfriend — a big football player — was sitting next to me. Somehow, I believed he could protect me from anything.

The Rest of the Day

Classes continued, but every classroom had either the radio playing or the TV on, showing the latest updates. Even then, I couldn’t fully grasp how devastating this day truly was.

Now, 10 years later, reflecting on 9/11 still brings a flood of emotions. I know I’ll never fully understand the pain and loss so many families endured, but I do know how much the world changed that day.

A Personal Connection to NYC

I do know that I was thankful though. One month prior to the attacks I had been on a mission trip with my church in New York City. We spent a good amount of time touring the city and seeing all of the popular sites. Knowing that the attacks happened right where we had been such a short time before made me feel so grateful and realize that God had a plan for me as well as everyone else who wasn’t there that day on 9/11/01.

Showing Support

Two days after the attack, I wore my I heart NY t-shirt that I had bought as a souvenir on the trip. I remember receiving a lot of compliments from teachers proud of the support.

Now even 10 years later every time I hear the song written and sung by Alan Jackson “Where Were You” I am completely covered in chills. I am just so thankful for all of the blessings I have received and think about all of those whose lives were forever changed that horrible day.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial

This past October, Lover Boy and I took our kids on a Mid-Atlantic road trip, and one of our stops was New York City. We visited the 9/11 Memorial, and even after all these years, you could still feel the weight of the pain and loss in the air.

I snapped this photo of the Statue of Liberty while we were on the ferry to Ellis Island, and it serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that defines this country.

God Bless America.

Today, I’m also praying for safe travels for my sister and niece as they fly to visit me – a reminder to never take time with our loved ones for granted.