That Somber Day

This morning while preparing for the day, I had started writing this post in my head.  But as I have read posts from other friends regarding this day 12 years ago, my mind began racing with new thoughts and ideas.

I reflected on that day and as I did so, I thought of those people that I shared that day with.  The entire CFS department at Franklin crowded into a small office watching a small black & white television, trying, wanting to learn more.  Who had done this and why?  As we learned something ~Anything~ new, we immediately shared it with one another.  Those moments of horror, sadness, and uncertainty has forever forged a bond with me and my co-workers.  They are forever linked to my memories from that difficult time.

Later that day as I arrived at my home in SLC, walking through the front door I immediately turned on the news, hoping I had not missed any updates during the couple of spare minutes between the parking lot and my living room. 

My home was in the flight path of SL International and as I am certain you are aware, all planes were grounded.  Sitting in my home, switching stations between all the different news channels and the world being quiet because of the grounded planes suddenly left me feeling alone.  I wondered about my family in Nephi and I worried about my brother Mike, who was serving an LDS Mission in Hong Kong at that time.  I wanted to reach out and touch all of them, spend time with them and make certain they were all okay.  Additionally, I almost couldn't wait until the next morning to be united again with my coworkers.  The next few days, these people were my rock and my support and over the course of the next several days, you could feel the unity a sense of belonging, we as citizens became united as Americans!

I know I have mentioned it before, but as I drove into my hometown of Nephi, I was overwhelmed with emotion, humility, and also pride.  Main street was line with American Flags as far as the eye could see.  I felt camaraderie united with my hometown and the feeling of being alone started to wane and completely disappeared as I turned the door knob and walked through the front door of my parents house.  Seeing my parents gave me assurance and immediately I knew everything was going to be okay. 

Yes, this time is still very much vivid in my mind and it is not only a day, but it is a week, a month, and a feeling that I will never forget.