I will never forget.

I was one of the few people that didn't know right away. I didn't watch the first or second plane hit live. I had no idea until almost 3 hours later.

I was a sophomore at Appalachian State and had a world history exam that day. I headed to the library very early that morning and found a quiet, back corner to study. I stayed in that corner until my exam at 11am, thus completely unaware of the morning's events. As I headed into class, I heard the buzzing of other students, tears, and the unknowns. Our professor came in and cancelled our class and sent us all on our way.

I remember so vividly being confused. I walked across campus back to where I lived with my sorority, and walked in to a lobby full of very scared girls. And there we sat. All day. Long into the evening. Staring at the images. Scared, unsure, praying, and making phone calls to everyone we loved.

It is a day burned deep into my memory. And today, the emotions I felt were raw. They were real. They stirred inside me and churned at my core. At first I couldn't pin point what it was that brought the emotions back so fierce and then it hit me. I am a mom. 10 years ago, I wasn't, and although it affected me deeply, it affected me even deeper today. I sat in church this morning, surrounded by local service men and women in uniforms, singing Amazing Grace, and watching the images on the screen, and my heart broke in two. It's not just about me anymore. I have littles to protect. Littles who will grow up in this same world that I did. How do we protect them? How do we teach them about this world? The good, the bad, and even the evil.

I was reminded of our mighty Lord. He was there in 2001. He was in the towers that morning. At the pentagon. On United 93. He was with all of us, as we watched the images and held on a little tighter to those around us. He was there. And today, He was there. Wrapping His arms around each of us as we prayed and sang of his grace and mercy.

And that's what we teach our littles. About life. About love. About holding on to those we love a little tighter. About the way our nation joined together and became more united that day. About the brave men and women who gave their life for people like us. And about a God who never leaves us, despite it all.

I am proud to be an American.

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

- Amazing Grace (my chains are gone)