9/11

Has it really been five years? Sometimes it feels like it happened yesterday and other times it feels like it was another lifetime.

Like many people, I have very vivid memories of September 11, 2001. I remember seeing the smoke across the Potomac after the Pentagon was hit. I remember wondering whether it was safer to stay at work or try to get home. I remember the panic in the voice of our managing partner when he ordered us to evacuate after hearing the news of a fourth plane. I remember the seemingly endless ride out of the city in a packed car -- none of us knew whether we could (or should) take Metro home -- hearing the fighter jets flying overhead. I remember watching hours and hours of news coverage until I just couldn't watch anymore.

And I remember going back to work on September 12. The city was so quiet. There were armed troops at major intersections -- trying to protect us from an enemy that most of us had no idea existed just two days before. I was so grateful that they were there.

I was one of the lucky ones. To my knowledge, nobody I know was killed in the attacks. I don't think about the attacks every day anymore, but I still can't watch any news coverage. I still had a couple moments of fear during my Metro ride this morning. I still have to fight back tears if I allow myself to think about the what ifs.

So, today I remember. I remember those who lost their lives at the Pentagon, in New York City, in Pennsylvania, in Afghanistan, and in Iraq. I remember my gratitude for all those who risk their lives every day to protect ours. And I remember that we have to keep living our lives because, if we don't, the terrorists have won. I will also remember to hug and kiss my husband and my son when I get home tonight, because they are what make my life worth living.