10 years ago

Nearly 10 years ago, the American life changed.
Everyone's life changed in one way or another.

Including my own.

Ten years ago, I was a freshman at Butler County, playing tennis.
I was 18 years old.
My parents were in Hawaii and I was living at home.
I was driving a 93 white Mercury Sable.
I hadn't realized I was in love with Apple.
I did, however, knew what love felt like.
I hadn't, though, found out how much a broken heart sucks.
I was a darkroom guru and loved black and white photography.
I hadn't figured out digital yet.
I also hadn't returned to running yet and played tennis all of the time.
I was 5-foot-2, and still am.
My brother was in the process of building his own home for his family.
My other brother hadn't yet gotten married, he would that next June.

Other random things from 2001:
Top song of 2001: "Hanging by a Moment" by Lifehouse
Group: Destiny's Child
Movie: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring

I have been blessed with a close family, long living grandparents and parents and wonderful friends. I can't even imagine having to try to find love again after losing the love of my life.

High school kids now don't understand what it was like 10 years ago. Ten years ago I didn't hang out with the people I do now. I don't see or talk to people I was with all of the time back then. I have moved 3 times and my love of tv shows have changed and my activeness of photography has significantly decreased.

I hated WSU and loved K-State and tolerated KU.
I now love WSU, love KU and tolerate K-State (only because of my dear friends).

I don't know what it's like to lose a family member in a tragic situation such as those who lost theirs in the Twin Towers or as a hero - doing their job or saving the lives of others on a plane- or by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, I know what it's like to lose someone I love. And it hurts. And seven years after losing my dad's best friend and my grandfather, it still hurts. But, right now, I can't grasp the pain these families feel today, 10 years later.

May we never forget those who put their lives on the line and the families who lost their loved ones.