I meant to post this last week, but somehow things just got away from me….work, Browns (which I will not be writing about)…you know.

Where was I 10 years ago on that day America changed? I distinctly remember exactly where I was, what I was doing and how quickly my plans changed that day.

I was at school in Chicago and in my suite getting ready for my 9:00 a.m. history class. I had a suite and could see in my mirror in the bathroom, my TV in my bedroom. I had it set, like every other morning, to the Today show. I was putting my makeup on and blowdrying my hair and remember hearing the news come across the TV. Immediately, I stopped what I was doing.

Within minutes many other girls from my floor were in my room and we were watching as the Towers came down. Some of the visuals I don’t think will ever leave me. People yelling and jumping from the building. I remember how scared all of us were, especially as more and more threats were coming in and Chicago was named as one of them. In that moment, all I wanted was to be back in Cleveland (and I often wonder if that was what pushed my decision to move back to Ohio).

That day was all a blur after that point. Classes were cancelled. Prayer vigils were had around campus. That evening our whole school turned out for a chapel service. I was on the phone with someone that I went to high school with, who has a strong military connection. He attempted to calm me down, yet explained to me what he believed had happened.

While 9/11 was a tragedy, I also think it was an important moment for the American spirit. People joined together in those days ahead. People volunteered, gave blood, sent food and prayed for one another.