Southern Comforts with the Gardners: 9/11

Every year on this day I try to remind myself of exactly how our country and I felt on September 11, 2001. I was in high school at Boyd Buchanan (Go Bucs!), but I was at home sick that day. I was at home by myself and my mom called me from work to tell me to turn on the TV. My friends told me that all day long at school they watch the TV coverage during class and they could tell how shaken up all of our teachers were. At the time I had no idea what kind of effect this would have on our country, but as the day went on and we began to learn more about everything that I had happened, I think everyone knew we would never be the same. I remember everyone flew their American flags on their cars, houses and yards for months afterwards. You couldn't get away from seeing 9/11 coverage on the news for months. The interviews with the families of the lost Americans were heart wrenching. Our country was all of the sudden drawn together due to this tragedy and felt an overwhelming sense of patriotism and gratitude to our men and women in uniform. We were at a stand still.

Now nine years later, I cannot believe it's been nine years, I am so proud to say I am married to my own personal hero who put his own life on the line for our country. My husband Rob served in the United States Army for three years after 9/11. He loved every minute of it. He would give any thing to be able to return to the Army, but unfortunately he suffered a back injury while under attack Iraq, so he'll never be able to. He loves America more than any one I have ever met. He never complains about our country, our government or his injury and he continues to be such an inspiration to me every day. I am so blessed to have him as my husband! I love you more than anything Rob and I am proud to be your wife and an American.