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Each of us, young and old have memories of September 11, 2001. I recall waking to what I thought to be a DVD left on overnight. I figured the boys had left Die Hard on yet again. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that day to be forever etched in our minds.

I recall the deafening sound of silence that day, with absolutely no aircraft overhead. We sat by radios clinging to hope of survivors, watching people take their own lives in despair. The horror of that day brought out the terrified little girl within. I was desperately wanting to run home to my mom and dad, as if they could provide clarity, protection. Frantic calls homes went unanswered. Although it seemed odd, my uncle had been ill, so I assumed they might be in Chicago, possibly on a riverboat cruise, which in retirement, would normally be acceptable. When days began passing, it seemed odd that in a moment of crisis, with urgent requests to call me, the phone remained silent for four solid days.

I recall the sense of relief in hearing my dad's voice finally on Saturday morning. Apparently while I was stunned by the day's tragedy, much like the rest of the country, they were standing on the steps of the White House, waiting to meet their state senator for a guided tour. While I was watching the events unroll on television, they were running for their lives. They witnessed Flight 93 hovering above them aiming for it's target. Lost in a strange city, they were ordered around by agents in trench coats and military guards. While I was home feeling helpless and lost, They were being told to run for their lives. I could clearly picture my parents huddled together on a curb, terrified, living out a scene from "War of the Worlds." I was allowed the opportunity to hear my parents' voices because a grove of trees saved my parents on that fateful day. While tears of relief ran down my cheek, I heard my dad calmly state, "I guess it wasn't our time."

They've traveled since that day, even returning to DC as a homage. However, they are never allowed to travel without a full itinerary being given to all of their children, and a full scan of the nightly news beforehand.

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