I think we all can agree that September 11, 2001 changed all of our lives.
At the time, We were living in our first house in Columbia, SC. Jon and I had graduated from Carolina four months earlier and Jon had received his commission as a 2LT in the U.S Army the same weekend. We were young and excited about our future and planning our first Army move. (naive I know! actually excited about a military move!)
On the morning of September 11th, Jon and I had a disagreement. I was in a tiff about helping him get his uniform ready for that day. Jon left for work, I was frustrated and we weren't speaking to each other. It was probably one of the first fights we had where we left home mad. Later that morning as I was getting ready for work and eating breakfast I was watching the coverage of the attacks on tv. At the time everyone was still confused as to what was going on as NBC was covering the first plane hitting the tower. Then, I watched, as most people did, as the second plane hit the south tower. After the initial shock, passed I immediately thought of Jon and the fight we had earlier. How silly, selfish and childish I had been. Things were definitely being put into perspective.
In the hours, days and weeks ahead, as a new Army wife, I wondered and feared what our future would hold. We knew we would still be moving to Ft Knox for Jon's initial training but what would happen after that? Well, we moved to KY and then to Ft Hood, Texas. Jon deployed to Iraq and I worked as an EMT for Scott and White Hospital. Later, we would move several more times and Jon would deploy to Iraq again. We have lost dear friends and been separated many times over the last 10 years.
On September 11th, I think it is safe to say that we lost our innocence and how we viewed our safety and security as a country. We also have seen a great strength and resiliency from our nation, First Responders, Soldiers and the Families of those lost in the wake of the attacks. As a military Family, the concept of "plan for war but pray for peace" became very real to us. I think we are more patriotic today, we value the time we are given because quite frankly we don't know what or when things will change again.
To borrow a quote from my friend:
God bless this country, those that were lost, and those who continue to fight
~Liz Harrison
