Remembering

This morning I took a moment to reflect on September 11, 2001. When I heard about the first plane crashing into one of the Twin Towers, I was delivering a breakfast tray to a patient on the Labor and Delivery unit at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. When the first plane crashed, all I could think is, "How in the world could a pilot crash into one of those towers by accident?" It seemed strange. Minutes later when the second plane crashed, it became obvious that this was no accident, but rather a living nightmare. At the time I had been divorced less than a year and was living with my girls at my mom's house. I remember sitting there watching the footage at home...feeling very alone and wishing I still had my husband with me to comfort me. In the hours and days that ensued, I was riveted to the TV, like most Americans, watching the footage of the destruction, memorials to those who died in the terrorist attacks, interviews with families and friends that had lost loved ones,speeches by the President...all of this just to absorb the horror that had just occurred. I remember during the attacks, one reporter reporting on what was happening actually breaking down in tears in the middle of her report. Our country changed forever that day.

Now we deal with the security changes that were necessary after such an event. It is something we all have to have patience with because we know they are efforts to protect all of us. Some have had to deal with profiling since 9/11.

What did you get out of September 11? I feel sorrow for those that have lost their lives...some with dreams never quite realized. I feel impressed by the strength of those who have had to carry on despite their losses. I feel grateful for those that have chosen to spend much time away from loved ones, serving our country. I feel thankful for the peace and tranquility in my immediate surroundings. I feel prouder to be an American.