Effects

At age 12, I had no real worries.  My biggest concern was whether my braces would be off in time for school pictures.  On September 11, 2001 at 7:45 am central time I was visiting Dr. R's orthodontist office, sitting in the red chair, waiting for one of his helpers to tighten my braces.  The lady came over and asked if I had heard about the plane crashing into one of the Twin Towers.  I didn't even know what the Twin Towers were.  After the appointment, my mom drove me back to LCS where I encountered many students and teachers who were talking about these Twin Towers that I had never heard of.  After much talk at school, I was finally able to come home and ask my parents about what was happening.  That evening I watched as former President Bush addressed the nation and declared a war on terror.  

At age 12, I had no idea how the events of 9/11 would affect my life.  I didn't know anyone in New York.  I didn't know anyone in the army.  I didn't fly very often.  I was sad that so many people were hurt or lost their lives, but that was it.  I didn't see how the events affected me.  

Now I do.  

I am 23 and it has been 11 years since the War on Terror began.  I am now 3 days away from saying goodbye to man I love so he can go fight the terrorists.  How would 9/11 affect my life?  How naive I once was...

10.

Remember.  Isn't that what we're supposed to do?
Remember.  Honestly, how can anyone forget?
Remember.  I remember.  I remember an orthodontist's red chair and braces and a radio and a brown haired nurse who delivered the news.
Remember.  I remember.  I remember smoke.  I remember being scared.  I remember not understanding.  I still don't understand.
Remember.  I remember a prayer service, a presidential address, and lots of tears and unanswered questions.
Remember.  I remember firemen and policemen running into buildings while everyone else was trying to run out of the buildings.
Remember.  I remember the day I understood evil really does exist.  I remember wondering about the fate of our country.  I remember wondering if we'd ever truly be safe again.
Remember.  How can I forget?  It's because of this day that so many of our loved ones are overseas fighting to maintain our freedom.  Someday my beloved one may have to join them...how can I forget?
Remember.  I remeber seeing faces of those who were looking for their missing loved ones.  I remeber the fear in their eyes.  I remember the look of panic on their faces...
Remember.  I remember the heroes.  I remember a country that wanted to be unified in the face of terror and tragedy.  I remember being thankful that God still works and moves in the midst of a broken world.  
Remember.  I'm not going to forget.



Thank you to all those who sacrificed their lives that day.  Thank you to all those who continue to put their lives in danger of my sake and the sake of our country.  


love,
kait