9/11

I posted this two years ago and my sentiments are the same as they were then. Except now I can't believe it's really been 10 years. I almost can't remember what life was like pre-9/11. I've lived in a post-9/11 world most of my adult life and it's sad my children will never know what life was like before all that evil changed our country (although all the new security measures don't bother me at all--in fact, I'm glad they are there). Five years ago I was working on President Bush's speeches leading up to the 5th anniversary of 9/11. They were some of the hardest working weeks of my life (I remember leaving work at midnight and having to be back at 6 the next morning). Back then, I couldn't believe it had really been five years. Time goes by so fast. I hope even 20 years from now that America won't forget to keep their faith in God, in times of crises or otherwise. I can't say it any better than President Monson . . .

"If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season." -Thomas S. Monson

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It's hard to believe it has been 8 years. I have a lot of love in my heart for this great country of mine. I have so much admiration for the men and women who work to protect it. As cheesy as it sounds, the song "Proud to be an American" still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. I pray that the leaders of our nation keep the policies in place that have kept us safe since that dreadful day 8 years ago.

Last year President Bush invited former White House staffers back to the White House for the remembrance ceremony. I knew it would be my last time at the White House before a new president took over, so I met up with my good friend Millie and we waited on the South Lawn together and reminisced about old times (we've been through a lot of craziness together). Obviously, I was not invited back this year. I'm okay with that.

(Can you see me in this picture? Hint: I'm to the back right of Mrs. Cheney in the black suit holding a white paper.)