Where were you?

Every one of us old enough to remember what happened 11 years ago today can probably tell you exactly where they were and the how they faced the events of that day. I remember sitting in Mrs. Purvis' American History class in 10th grade. We had a substitute that day and somebody just happened to come in there and tell us to turn on the tv. We sat there and stared and watched in horror as the attacks happened. The bell rang and we went to the next class. The halls were full of students talking about what they had just seen. 2nd Period: Mrs. Inabinet's class...we had a test that day. We kept the tv on while taking the test. I just remember them showing the 2nd plane hitting over and over and over again. 3rd period: Current Events with Coach Ard...I don't ever remember that class being that quiet EVER. We stayed glued to CNN...what else were we supposed to do? A classroom full of high school students in a class that none of us took seriously and for once, we were silent. Being in high school, you should be old enough to realize what's going on, but that day was different. I don't think anybody realized what was going on. This was something bigger than this generation had ever faced. This was an attack on our country.

I love this country and I love being an American. This country is full of people who disagree on everything and that's ok...it's part of our freedom. It's our right to disagree. But for once, for the first time in my young life, I saw this country come together. It wasn't about sides anymore, it wasn't about who's right and wrong. Finally, it was about let's kill these bastards and take our country back. We are America and we won't be taken down.

So many of my friends joined the armed forces. Some that I never would have expected, but they have come back different people. Some for the good and some their lives have been changed forever and not in the best ways. I am so proud to call these soldiers my friends. This country's military is amazing and I am so thankful for the men and women that put their lives on the line to keep our country safe and free.

I wish that our country would stand more unified like they did on September 11 and the months after. But I will say, that September day in 2001 is one that I will never forget. The images still bring tears to my eyes. The thought that one group of people could have so much hate for us is sickening. The thought of Muslim groups in America being targeted just because they are Muslim is just as sickening. These people are here for their freedom and maybe they have different beliefs than Christians. But they aren't part of Al-Queda (most of them anyway). They are in this country for the same reason we are...freedom and rights.

I'll be honest, I didn't realize that it was September 11 until I got into the car this morning and heard them talking about it on the radio. As I get older, the days seem to run together and it takes me longer to realize it's certain days. So this day wasn't any different for me, but once I realized what day it was, I took a moment to reflect on the last 11 years. I say a prayer and I always ask God why? Why would He let this happen? But then I remember that He has a plan for everything and I mean everything. I will never understand this plan, but it's not my responsibility to understand. It's my responsibility to trust Him and have faith that everything is in His hands.

I will always vividly remember the events of that day and where I was...will you?