Remembering...

It has been seven years since our country suffered the worst terror attack in our nation's history, and it has been interesting to look back and see how much has changed since that day back in 2001.  Reed and I were awakened by the phone ringing and his dad telling us that the first plane had hit the tower.  We were watching as the second plane hit, and then again when the Pentagon was hit.  I am sure that everyone had the same feelings that we did that day - feelings of grief, fear, and astonishment as we watched our fellow Americans struggle.  Those next few days were hard on everyone as we reflected on what had happened and what this meant for our country and our security. Reed had the opportunity to put his feelings into action, and we will forever be grateful for the opportunity he had to serve his fellow men.  Now, as we look back, we have learned many things.  We have learned to appreciate our freedom and the men and women who have fought for it in the past as well as the present.  We salute our armed forces at home and abroad as they spread the gift of freedom to those who have never tasted it.  We have learned the importance of being prepared, and making sure that everything is in order.  We have learned the importance of remembering and honoring those who lost everything.  During the few months following September 11 people were nicer, acting a little bit better than they had before.  Now we have all slipped back into our old habits - habits of rushing, busyness, and concentrating on ourselves rather than each other.  It is important to remember how we felt, and how we acted because of what we felt, so that we can become better people, more loving and considerate of those around us.  Most importantly, however, we learned to show our love for our families and friends while we still have the opportunity to do so, because there may come a moment when our time runs out.  We remember September 11 because we cannot afford to forget it.