it is so hard to believe that a year has almost passed since that horrible event. Amazing how in just one moment, not only individual lives can be changed, but the spirit of this nation as a whole was forever altered as well.

I, like everyone I know, remember exactly where I was. I was at work, my cell phone rang and it was my father. He said to me that a plane hit the trade center. I am not from NY.. and never really paid much attention to the landscape in pictures, so I wasn't sure which building it was. At first I thought he was joking, but as he began explaining it to me what he was watching on the news, I knew he was serious. Suddenly.. I hear him say "Oh my god, another one just hit". I will never forget the sound of his voice. By that time, I alerted those around me at work and they were quickly turning on radios. It was easy to see that with every passing moment the seriousness was soaking in to those around me..

In the 12 months since this occurred.. the changes in this country.. some subtle... some very apparent... all very important have permanently changed this country... and to some degree this world.

My son, is in the second grade now.. and just so happened by luck of the draw.. it is his snack day on Sept. 11th. Yeah, I guess I could just go about the typical routine.. go to walmart and buy some sort of everyday snack for 25 little kids.. but instead.. beginning Monday night.. my son and I will begin the process of making 25 Red, White & Blue Jello cups. Why? Because it is a perfect opportunity to talk to my son.. not only about the events that make the day important.. but also to help mold him into the man he will someday be. Patriotic, loving, caring, and most of all kind to his fellow human beings. So on Sept. 11th.. as I take those Jello cups into his class... not only will I be proud to be a mom.. but I will be showing that I am proud to be an american