They say that every generation has an “event.” An event of such magnitude that most people will remember where they were when that event occurred, remember trying to process the impact of what had happened, and remember an overwhelming sense of dread at realizing the world as they knew it had just changed.

I surelyremember my such “event.” I remember exactly where I was. I wastaking a showertrying toget ready fora work conference that morning.Ihadjust finished washing my hair when my husband, Jer,came in and told me to come out ofthe shower. What struck me at the time was how quietly calm his voice was.Something about thatcalm voice brought me right out of the shower, without even rinsing the conditioner from my hair. I stepped out, wrapped a towel around me and followed him into the living room, my gaze directed immediately to the television. I saw the planes crashing into the Twin Towers. I saw people on the streets of New York wandering around in an almost palpable fear at what was happening around them. And I was witnessing it.

It took me several minutes to even begin to process what I was seeing. I kept shaking my head and looking at Jer, willing him to tell me that this all couldn’t possibly be happening. The haunted look in his eyes scared me becauseI knew it really was that bad.So we hugged. And we cried. Because, at that moment,we both realized that our lives had just changed. The safety and sanctity of the country we were both so fortunate to call home had just been breeched in such a horrific way. And then the full multitude of the event washed over us. So many people were losing their lives as we watched a literal Hell unleashed on Earth.

I was very proud of America after the attacks. People banded together with a very real need to unite in patriotic harmony. It truly was a beautiful sight to see and an even more beautiful attitude to impart. And, yes, that patriotic harmony has waned as time has healed some of the wounds. But America was changed on September 11, 2001 and so was I.

So, on this 8th Anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks I would ask you to remember that day. Remember where you were, remember how you felt and remember the prayers you said for the victims, their families and for healing a very broken America. And say those prayers again.

Love to all, Mindy