Sept 11th 2016

Sept 11th 2016

I woke this morning and turned on MSNBC like I do most mornings to give a little background noise as I make my coffee and breakfast. This morning was different from most and very familiar as it is etched in memory from my past. They were replaying the events that took place 15 years ago, the coverage, and video. Watching the towers come down again made me reflect on my experiences on that infamous day in America.

I was in college in Maryland and I got up and went to my 8 am class like I always did. One of my favorites, World War 1, got over just before 9 and I always went to rehab in the training room between classes so I would be ready for the spring baseball season. This day was different, it was the day before the University of Wyoming volleyball team was set to visit to play Maryland. So to show my Wyoming pride I was dressed in Brown & gold, and was ready to give the volleyball girls a little dose of harassment. I entered the training room singing the Wyoming fight song but was quickly silenced as nobody turned to laugh or joke or heckle me. They were glued to the TV and one girl asked if I heard. 

Obviously at that time I hadn't and I sat on the table where I usually got work done with many of my fellow athletes in awe of the terrible events taking place before our eyes. We watched with horror as the towers fell and I thought about the trip my brother and I made to the Statue of Liberty not 2 weeks earlier and got a photo with us and the towers between us. It was amazing and sad that it was lost forever. The loss of life and a perceived innocence. I remember the fear as my friend who lived 40 miles from DC and worked at the university Picked me up and we sat in traffic for hours as we tried to leave the city. I was like nothing I have ever seen before and hope that I never have to experience again. 

Today I reflect on the experiences of the day, the changes that were made and the sacrifices Americans have given since to provide safety and security. I am thankful for all the people who are willing to put themselves in harms way to defend our way of life, to allow myself and everyone of use and the free world to enjoy a relative sense of security and peace. For those lost we remember and will never forget what terrorists try to do and I work everyday to not allow them to win. I will not live my life in fear. I will cherish and enjoy all that I have the fortune to have and I will work to do my part to help bring those who chose to be against us that we are a country of people who are great.

I hope that everyone has a chance today to reflect and an opportunity to enjoy the life we have been given. Things can change in a moment and we must stay vigilant and cherish all we have. I know I do and I am so thankful for all this country has provided for me and I hope to continue to do my best for my clients, my family, and my country because without all of these I would not be the man I am.