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Where were you at 8:45 am ET, September 11, 2011?

Were you going to work, in school, or having breakfast on that fateful day?

As we as a country and a world remember 9/11 let’s not ever forget what happened.  Many years have gone by since then, but I can’t help but get a chill and tear up as I remember that day.

No, I wasn’t at the Twin Towers, I didn’t live in New York, or know anyone at the Pentagon. I didn’t know anyone that died. But, to me, a Mother with three small children it was a pivotal turning point in realizing the world would not be the same.

9-11: A TRIBUTEThe Stories They Tell: Artifacts from the National September 11 Memorial Museum

I’m sure it was the same feeling my parents had when they first heard of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The world and their lives were never the same.

Remembering 9-11

For me, it was a morning like every other. I was getting ready for work and paused to get on the computer and check my email. In the background, the TV was tuned to Good Morning America. I glanced at the TV just in time to catch breaking news right after the first plane hit.  My heart stopped when I watched the second plane live and I felt as though I couldn’t breathe.

I went to work at Oxbow Pet Products and we huddled around a small TV we brought into the office. The phones were silent. No calls were coming in, no orders being placed. Nothing mattered. No one wanted to go home, we cried silently at what this meant as the towers fell.

Planes were grounded, and then news of the Pentagon. What was next? After lunch, we shut off the phones, closed the doors early and went home to hug our families.

Past Tense, Forever Present: Remembering 9/11Remembering 9:11 in Bible Verses

No, I will not forget that day.

Remember 9/11 Tributes & Memorials

Every year since that day I take time to pause, say a prayer, and honor those that lost their lives that day. There are many 911 memorials across the country and I’m sure there are some in your local area.

At the Strategic Air Museum in Ashland Nebraska, they place 3000 flags as a memorial on the lawn.  On each flag is the name of each person who died that day. As the sunlight streamed in from the east, I couldn’t help but think of that day and where I was, when the World Stopped Turning.

I’m from Connecticut and had been to the World Trade Center and gone up in the Towers. Since then I’ve visited the site in 2002, 2004, 2010, and 2011. They say time heals all wounds. But the scars remain. Let’s never forget

Let’s never forget some never made it to work that day. Some never made it home. Let’s never forget those who died, those who lost family and friends, and all the countless fireman, police officers and volunteers who gave of unselfishly gave of themselves.

“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”

Lyrics by Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin’ against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?[Chorus:]

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell
You the difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty ’cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?

Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?

Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watchin’
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?[Chorus x2]

And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.