September 11

There has been a lot of discussion about September 11th today, the 6th anniversary (though I use this term lightly as it portrays a happy event). The most frequently asked question is "do you remember where you were?" Well, here is my short version put into words the best I can muster.

I was a senior in high school sitting in my Calculus class. Our principal came on the P.A. after the first one was hit and told us about it. Our teacher turned the T.V. on to CNN and shortly after we all watched the second tower get hit. At that point, none of us knew it was terrorists (or perhaps in our selfish, high school world, didn't even think about it). We spent a lot of that day discussing it and more in the days to follow after reports of who was responsible came out.

On each anniversary, I take a minute to think about it because of the repercussions it has had on my life. One of my best friends, Jake Canfield, joined the National Guard in hopes that it would help him pay for college. He got a trip to Iraq. I was there when he boarded the bus to leave for his 'tour' the next fall. Toby Keith's "American Soldier" played from someone's car. I cried for my friend and for all of the mothers, fathers and children saying good bye to a loved one.

My future brother in law, Joe Prentler, recently returned from a 15 month tour of northern Iraq. I said good bye to him, too, in my parent's basement the night before he left. It was gut wrenching because Joey has been like a brother to me for six years. Afterwards, I watched my little sister worry and suffer for the time he was gone and tried to help the best I could but didn't know what to do for her. I felt the knots in my stomach each time the news reported fatalities in Iraq because we never knew. Luckily for me, Jake & Joey both returned home safely. This day makes me think about those who didn't and those who were in those towers. It's a day that won't soon be forgotten.
Jake and I at his "going away party."

Joey in his 'house' in Iraq.