On the morning of 9-11-01, I was on a business trip in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I was in my hotel room preparing to attend training sessions that had been set up for me that day.  When I focused on what was being shown on the television, I thought to myself what kind of a movie am I watching at this time of the morning?

It wasn't a movie...   it was real.  But it felt like a movie all day.  I was able to catch glimpses of the news during the day while walking the hallways of the offices in between my training sessions.  I couldn't comprehend what had happened.  I continued to try to focus on the information that was put in front of me, but I was in a state of shock.  As were we all.

I informed my employer that I was not comfortable with returning to my home in Florida at the end of the week by airplane, and we were able to make arrangements for me to drive home in a rental.  I think that was the longest three days of my life...  driving alone... in unfamiliar territory... and not knowing what was happening in the world.  The few radio stations that I could pick up, gave brief news reports of  things happening at airports and train stations.  I worried about the safety of my family and I know that they were all very worried about me.

I probably spent most of that week in tears.  My heart ached for all those families who had lost loved ones and those who were still searching for loved ones.  I prayed that they would be given the strength and the courage to face whatever came, including their worst fears.  I prayed for my country, the USA, and it's leaders, knowing that there would be some tough decisions made in the future.

Our lives, as a nation, would never be the same again.

I am proud to be an American.  I am proud of my Country.  I am proud of my fellow citizens.  I am proud of our military.  No matter what political battles are raging, we are united in the tragedy of our part of the world, and that day...  9/11/01...   will never be forgotten.