911 + 10

So last night, as I was gearing up for my Sunday night slumber, I got on Facebook and Twitter one more time, as I always do. I never for a moment, thought that I would read what I did. So much for sleep, let's get CNN on.

I could not believe it, as I blinked a few more times trying to focus my eyes and be sure I read it correctly.

OSAMA BIN LADEN DEAD!

Let me be the first (ok, not the first) to state that I do not celebrate any one's death, regardless of how I feel about that person. However I do celebrate the victory for our country. The statement that this makes to the rest of the world. I truly, truly hope, from the bottom of my heart, that this gives those victims, victims families and all those personally affected by 9/11 some closure. I will never forget where I was on that fateful day.

I was a young 22 year old woman, first year teacher, in a city away from home. I had students crying, upset, distraught, confused. Many of them had parents who took flights to New York City that morning. The unknown. The fear. In the days before smartphones, Twitter and Facebook, I had little access to the information except for the emails we were receiving from our administrators. It was a devastating day, to say the least. I raced home and stayed glued to the TV the entire night. I couldn't sleep. I was questioning so many things. I missed my family. I was lonely and trying to comprehend all the events and emotions of the day. My boyfriend at the time somehow managed to sleep through all of it and I never understood how. So many thousands of miles from NYC, yet I felt so affected by the tragedy. I think all Americans did. However, I could never imagine the hate and anger I would have if I would have known someone who would have died on 9/11.

Ten years later, I am a much different person than I was on 9/11. I can't believe it has been that long. I was still a child almost. So lacking in life experience, I was so "fresh" in the working world. I'm still angry. I still cry. I still wonder why. How can there be so much hate in our world? Facebook and Twitter became filled last night and today with political rants and conspiracy theories and I continue to ask why? It upsets me that everything turns that direction anymore. There is no truth and trust in the world. People want proof in video and pictures. There is nothing sacred or confidential anymore. Why can't we just be grateful for the step forward, thankful that lives were spared for the US and disassociate our views and "sides" for one day. This is a victory for all of us. Whether you are red or blue or green. It's a victory.

Thank you to all the men and women who have and had served this great country.

As I finally did go to bed, at about midnight last night, I thought to myself, I am very proud to be an American today!

Have a great week everyone!