Proud to be

I woke up to words I didn't understand.
"The World Trade Center has been hit by terrorists." What? Who are terrorists, and what is the World Trade Center? My mind was spinning. My mother left my room to allow me to continue sleeping. I already didn't feel well and this new information just confused me. After my family had left to go about their day, the house was eerily silent. I dragged myself out of bed carrying my blanket and pillow with me. I moved emotionless down the stairs. The words terrorists and World Trade Center kept ringing in my head.

I turned on the news eager to know what was happening. The chaos and pandemonium that the screen displayed was terrifying. I sat in awe as I watched the black smoke billowing out of the tall building. Who could do such a thing. Pools of tears gathered in my eyes as I mourned for the people I didn't know. My seventh grade mind didn't understand why or how anyone could fly a plane into a building. I watched as people cried and tried to get away from the horror. I looked on as people, hopeless and fearful, jumped from the building, taking their own lives. My heart cried out for these souls.

Clutching the blanket and squeezing my pillow didn't prevent the next event. Unfolding before my eyes was an American horror film or so it seemed. The small dot at the edge of the screen got larger and larger until the unidentified object was given a name. Another plane zoomed straight into the next building. I sat wide eyed as the building tumbled to the ground. I couldn't believe my eyes. This must be a movie or something. I can't actually be watching this. But it was real. All of it. To me it was the projection of the days events on a screen. For the people in New York it was their whole world in dust falling on their streets.

Now 9 years later we still remember this event. Just as the last generation remembers the details about the fateful day of December 7th, the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked. This generation will forever remember where we were, what we were doing and who we were with on the day that our country was seriously attacked in over half a century. September 11th will go down in history. The American people came together in the days and weeks that followed.

Americans, we are a strong able nation. We are blessed to be a part of this land, and though enemies my rise up to destroy us we must hold strong. We must never give up hope that tomorrow will bring a better day. Each day the sun rises and sets. Each day brings some good and some bad. We must never forget what this nation stands for. This nation's people have endured much since before its beginnings. Let us try to never sway from what this country represents. One nation, under God. To promote liberty and justice. To be a people who work for the betterment of our fellow men, whether they be of our race and creed, or another. God bless this land, and this people. God bless the USA!

Looking Back.

Today I went to a friends homecoming. It was almost as if he had never left. All the gang was back together with a few additions (Spouses, and kids). Everything was back to how it was before. I no longer felt like I was in college. I no longer worried about dance, or school, or relationships or anything. We all just talked and loved life. It was refreshing, and then I realized that soon we would all leave and continue our lives. Time had stopped for a brief moment, but I couldn't hold it there forever. It had to move on. So the time came and we all parted and went our separate ways. As I walked toward my car, the smell of the rain filled air and the look of the green grass ahead of me sent me into another flashback.

Nauvoo. The feeling of it seemed to seep quickly into my soul. I didn't know how or what had brought this feeling on, but I longed more then anything to be back in that place. Yes it was hot and humid at times. And I was always so tired after each and every show, but it didn't matter because I was so happy there. I was doing what I loved, with people I loved, in a place I loved. I wish that I could put the spirit of Nauvoo down in words. Sadly it is impossible. That place was amazing. I can't remember a time when I was so happy for no reason. We went spent a lot time in vans, we did a lot of seemingly boring things. Yet I loved every minute of it. I often wish I could turn back time. Maybe someday soon I will go back, but until then I just have to live with my memories.