Remembering

When President Bush gave his "Farewell" speech last night, one line really stood out to me. 

"As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did." 

I guess because I never did either. 

Before Sept. 11th, 2001, I was just a newlywed, (less then 3 months married) a young preschool teacher, and a highly idealistic child of God. 

I was married to a young(er) man, part time cook, who was "taking a break" from college and at the present moment didn't really have a plan farther ahead then the next paycheck. 

We were brilliantly happy. 

We were insanely carefree. 

We were simply young. 

When that first plane crashed, Andy was in the process of putting on his only dress suit. That morning our plans were very full, with something that could not be delayed. You see, we were on our way to the funeral of Andy's grandfather. His grandfather, who had proudly served 20 years in the military. 

Before that morning, I don't remember Andy ever mentioning an inclination to join the military. I remember the story, back "before me", of him considering the Coast Guard. But that was "before me" - more then two years earlier. 

After Sept. 11th, it was the only thing he talked about. 

By our first Christmas, he was already gone to basic training. 

And my life has never been the same.