nmah6394.xml

nmah6394.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-12-31

I was getting ready for my first day of work at a new job when I heard the news on TV. I woke up my husband, Brad, to tell him the news. Like me, he thought the first plane was just an accident, so I left for work and barely gave it a second thought. Then he called me with the news that the second tower had been hit. Only one week before, on September 4, we had buried his grandmother, and all he could say was, "I am so glad she's not here to see this..." We knew then that we were at war, and that millions of people were suffering, both pain and loss. We both went to the local Red Cross and gave blood, and only wished there was more we could have done.

Since that imfamous day, I have learned not to take one second for granted. We have since welcomed our son Braden to the world, and we fear every day for his future. We no longer so to bed angry with each other, we all say "I love you" every chance we get, we are closer to our families and friends, and life is just a little fuller than it used to be.

Americans should all remember the pain and loss we felt that day, but should also remember the way we rallied together as a nation to help each other through it all. Never before had the sense of national community been so strong. But we should also remember that it shouldn't take a tragedy of this caliber for us all to come together as a nation, show pride in our country, or love of friends and family.

At the time, I was in my car more than I was home, so that is where my flag went... on the car. I had always been very patriotic, but the events of that day really heightened my sense of USA pride.