I was walking out of a Finance class at UNCW on September 11th and had just walked into the English Department to start my student job when I was told that a plane hit one of the Trade Towers.  Everyone in the department was huddled around a computer listening to details and everyone thought that it was just an accident. But I remembered from growing up, a family friend that was a commercial pilot had always said that that area was restricted and that they were to ditch in the river.  And then minutes later, word came in that the 2nd plane hit and it was then I realized that our lives as US citizens had forever changed. The world stood still. Lives were forever changed.

I hope that my children never have to go through a day like that. And it was not just one day. It was months. But something happened on September 11th, our nation came together. Neighbors helped neighbors. Friends were there to help lend a hand putting out flags in their yard. We were a country, not divided by political beliefs or financial status, but we were one.  One country. One nation. I still remember like it was yesterday how no matter where you drove in the days following, there were American flags being proudly displayed. I still remember not being able to get enough of the news and learning new details. I still remember the uncertainty of more attacks and would we be going to war? I still remember the candle light vigils. I still remember the moments of prayer and moments of silence. I still remember seeing President Bush standing on the rubble in the days after the cleanup began.  I still remember the photographs of families, crying and the images of children who had lost their parent(s) that day.

So today, no matter where you are, take a moment of quiet time. Stop and reflect on that day, the lives that were lost and those that were left behind and that have suffered, either from losing a family member or those that helped in the rescue and cleanup.

I still remember September 11th as the day that stood still.