My thoughts on this day after 9/11

Yesterday being the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I read several wonderful blog posts and Facebook statuses and yet throughout the day, I never mentioned it myself, just liked a post here and there. On Friday night, my dad and I were talking about what we were going to do on Sunday, which also happened to be Grandparents Day this year.  I mentioned that I knew I didn't want to sit around and watch 9/11 coverage because it would just be depressing.  Buy yet when I couldn't sleep and woke up at 7 am yesterday morning, I immediately turned on the news and watched the memorials while it was still quiet in my house. I listened to several of the names of victims being read, watched family members etching their loved ones names from the memorial and listened to Amazing Grace and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I am SO GLAD I did indeed tune in and watch some of the coverage.  All though sad at times, it was amazing to watch!  We did not spend the day watching TV but instead went out, had breakfast, did some thrift shopping and enjoyed each others company. I was lucky enough to hang out with my dad, my children's grandpa, my family member while others were not because of this awful act. I could not imagine what it would have been like to lose someone on that day and I pray that those who have not found comfort yet will.
With all that being said, I guess I hadn't thought much about the impact 9/11 had on my life. I personally do not know any of the victims of 9/11 or know anyone who does but know that thousands of Americans did and were deeply impacted by it. I have been thinking today and really my life was impacted by 9/11 and currently is impacted by 9/11...
Adam and I got engaged in February of 2001 and were planning our wedding for March of 2002. We were going to take our honeymoon to Walt Disney World, Florida. I was so looking forward to it even though I have a terrible fear of flying. I was determined to do it since it was something I had wanted to do for a long time.  The events of September 11 changed our honeymoon plans quickly, I was NOT getting on a plane anytime soon. We drove to Disneyland instead. While this may seem somewhat petty now, I am sure I am not the only person who would not fly for several months. Thus impacting several vacation plans, plans to see families and celebrate or mourn with them.
When the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan started, I had some family members in the military or that joined the military after September 11. I am SO PROUD to say that I have 2 brother in laws and 2 cousins who all served in our military and went to Irag or Afghanistan. My family members serving and protecting our country and searching for those who took part in this terrible act on American soil.
Kevin, Scott, Keith and Eric-THANK YOU for your sacrifice! I am proud to call you family!
Fast forward about 7 years from 9/11; Adam was hired on with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department in October 2008 and graduated from Law Enforcement Academy in May 2009.  Until yesterday, it did not hit me that Adam is a first responder, those men and women who are the first to respond to accidents, tragedy and yes, acts of terror. Being the wife of a law enforcement officer is nerve racking at its best. I hope and pray that Adam will never have to respond to a tragedy of this magnitude but if he does, I know he will do everything he can to help even if it means not coming home to us for days. Each call that Adam responds to makes me more and more proud!!

These are the two pictures that always stick out in my mind when thinking about 9/11.

NEVER FORGET!