Seven Years Ago Today . . .

I was sitting in my 1st period Drama class enjoying a movie when the world changed forever. We were celebrating Homecoming Week at Jacksonville High School, it was Cowboys & Cowgirls day. It was a Wednesday I believe. A sub came to the door for Ms. Steed and we knew something was up. Ms. Steed instantly turned on the lights and told us to turn to the news. We sat in amazement and watched the burning building when suddenly I noticed something in the corner of the screen. The other plane hit the 2nd tower. My heart sank when I realized that this wasn't just some acident. The bell rang and everyone silently got up and went to the next class. When we got there we learned that another plane hit the Pentagon. When we went to 3th period another plane crashed in the Pennsilyvania field. As the day went on, we were afraid that something was going to happen, that another plane would crash and hit another place. Homecoming was changed completely into a memorial service. We tried to all go about life as normal, but it was difficult. Learning that we were under attack was the scariest thing for me. We built our float and had the "rest" of Homecoming week. Friday instead of a large Pep-rally, we had a memorial service and had veterans from JHS come and speak. We dedicated our football game and halftime shows to the victims and their families. We raised money to donate and had the most patriotic week I've ever known. It was weird to think that was seven years ago. Time moves on, yet everyday there's a hint of that day everywhere. We watch the news everyday for any new developments. More and more trooops leave everyday. Less come home, but some do come home. My brother-in-law served over there recently. He has a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He still has shrapnal in his back and shoulders that they can't get out. He's fine, luckily. I remember getting that phone call too. It was Father's Day of last year. The first call was that he was badly hurt or dead. Then we heard her was fine and just had some shrapnal wounds.

You hear the songs still today on the radio and sometimes I even catch myself saying " I hate that song, I wish they'd just stop playing it". But then you realize it's a part of your life you can never forget. Not just because of the annoying songs or protestors or activists, but because in a little way all our worlds were made a little less safe. A little less comforting. A little less peaceful. I'm glad I have the gospel in my life to help these troubled times have a flicker of light in them. I hope everyone has a blessed day and Love you all!!!