9-11

I know it is a bit trite, but I just thought I would take a second for the memory of 9-11. I was channel surfing, looking for reruns of Sarah's big first interview and stopped at MSNBC as they were playing the feed from 9-11. It was strange to watch again. Strange because it brought back all of those feelings.
I didn't get to watch much of the continuous coverage as I was in Montana and part of me is thankful that I didn't have the overexposure. But the little I did see shocked me and left me with an uncertainty for the tomorrows. Being so far from home, I remember feeling especially vulnerable. I made a couple "illegal" phone calls just to grasp on to whatever constants I could find. Yes, of course I knew my family wasn't directly affected but just hearing my moms voice helps stabalize me. Of course I also worried for those I knew that were in the service. And made another call to what was then a second family to see what would it would mean for their very devoted army serving family. What would happen to them? But even more than that, the world stood still and I had too much time to wonder.... What were all of the not obvious ramifications of 9-11?
Now 7 years later, we are much more used to the changes it brought. Some have even forgotten what even brought about those changes. Some don't even remember what life was like before. Now I dont want to get over dramatic, but so much has changed in our world post 9-11.
I think part of the innocence in me died, and I realized just how fragile our lives were. But it also brought about an understanding of what it meant to be free and safe. It helped me to have an adult understanding of patriotism and respect for those that came before and those that currently served our country.
I dont really know where I am going with this. But its funny how some of the most horrible things that happen in life bring about change, prod us to grow up, remind us that there is a bigger picture. And in the face of such devistation and nightmares, we often find opportunities for us to witness the "beauty for ashes". And the heroes that rise to the challenge and meet the nightmares unflinching. And so while I hope never to see such distruction and horrors again in my lifetime, I hope that if I am ever faced with it, that I will be one of those that can rise above and only let those experiences change me for the better.