It's strange to think that it's been 9 years since I started my senior year of high school. The last 9 years seem to have flown by, even though the days after 9/11 felt so long at the time. I won't go much into detail about my experiences on that day, I did that last year, but if you really want to read it you can go here.
September 11 will always be a day of reflection for me. One where I can't help but be grateful for everyone in my life. I seem to be more emotional about it this year, and I'm attributing that to the fact that I am now married, and wouldn't want to experience that great loss that many Americans did that day. I can't explain enough what Darren means to me, and how hard it would be if I lost him in any way.
I am also so grateful for the young men and women that fight each day for our continued freedom. My younger brother served two tours in Iraq and I know how much he and his platoon members have sacrificed. I wish I could give them each a hug and tell them how grateful I am for them. I guess I'll just have to hug my brother extra tight next time I see him and count that as good.
That's it for me today, but I hope you take a little time today to remember all that you have, and to tell those you love just how much they mean to you.
I miss being patriotic. Canada is a great place to live, but I miss being on US soil and seeing the Stars & Stripes everywhere and I miss seeing people in uniform. Those are a few of the things that make me totally proud to be American, even when I'm not there.
ReplyDeletethanks for posting this! I miss you! *hugs hugs hugs***
Because I got behind on my blog reading, this entry is way late in coming, but I would be remiss if I didn't comment.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Natalie. My brother enlisted in the Army in October of 2001. He served his tour in Afghanistan, but I am so sad that he has had to see the things that he's seen and, in some cases, do the things that he had to do. And he did it all without being able to tell us where he was or what he was even doing, although he's since tipped me off a bit on the "what."
I remember everything about where I was on 9/11, too, and I had a friend, both of whose parents were in the military and already in the Middle East. I remember the feeling of shock at the reality of the situation as I helped my sobbing friend to the counselor's office. She had no idea about whether her parents were okay. Her little sister already had to ride in an escorted armored car to school even BEFORE 9/11 because she and her classmates had been shot at when they rode a regular bus to the school for English-speakers in Turkey. I continue to be amazed at the sacrifices people make to help us maintain the freedom we have. Thank your brother and your father for me, and I'm glad that you're one of those who truly will never forget.