It’s almost hard to believe that it’s been 11 years since that day.

I remember waking up that morning; I think it was around 5:30am, got up to use the bathroom, and then got back into bed to sleep some more before getting up for work. As I lay in bed, I turned on the TV for a minute, and I saw a news story saying that a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers in NY, and they were showing the scene live. I remember looking at the smoky tower and being surprised. But at the time, the premise was that it was an accident. After a few minutes, I turned it off and went back to sleep. I got up again around 7, turned on the TV again, and there was the story about the 2nd Tower being hit. Now it was clear this was no accident, and I didn’t know what to think.

I don’t recall the chain of events as I got dressed and left for work, but I know as more info came out it was more and more shocking. Soon the Pentagon was hit. And there was another plane that crashed somewhere. I recall an early report that the State Department had been hit. Nobody knew what was going on, or what would happen next. I remember getting to work. We had the radio news on all day, listening to what was going on. It was my boss’ birthday, and we had cake for her, but no one was in a very cheerful mood, understandably.

A lot has changed since then, both in the world at large and here in America. I remember the unity we felt in the nation in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. I wish it had lasted, but sadly, it didn’t. Still, I’d like to think this is the one day we can all come together and leave partisan politics aside. I will always try to.

I wish I had some deep words of wisdom to add, but all I can say is enjoy your time here on Earth, because every day may be your last.