On September 11, 2001,
thousands of people were killed during four terrorist attacks on the United
States. It is a day I will never forget. I will remember where I was and what I
was doing at the time. When I talk to people about major events in history,
they say this is the same way they felt when The Challenger space shuttle exploded
or when John F. Kennedy was killed. I’m sure others remember other events that
had affected them in this way.
It is a day that I will never forget because for many hours,
I didn’t know if a few of my family members were safe. It is also not something
we really ever talk about. It is not a topic that we want to discuss or relive.
To this day, I can’t watch any movies about this day. I have
tried to watch a couple but usually can’t make it through the whole movie.
One day a couple of years ago, I had to take a state test
for my teaching license and I was horrified when I realized that I had to take
it on 9/11. I was deeply upset and anxious until a good friend reminded me that
before 2001, September 11th was just another day on the calendar. This really
helped me focus on my goal and not the date.
I feel a little ambivalent about this day.
Part of me wants to remember that all those people died and
should not be forgotten. First responders, emergency personnel, and volunteers
who risked their lives and many who died from this are remembered. I understand
that all across the country, there are memorial services and remembrances to
make sure they are not forgotten.
Part of me wants to put my head under a blanket and hurry this
day along. I don’t want to remember the day I feel so anxious and alarmed. I don’t
want to remember all the families finding out that they lost a loved one in the
attacks. I don’t want to relive that day and my heart hurts for families who
feel the same way I do.
To all the people out there who were affected by this day in
history, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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