I was just four years old when September 11th happened. Even so, it still affected me. Growing up in East Windsor, New Jersey, just an hour from New York City, I firsthand experienced the effects of 9/11.

I remember leaving school early that day. I remember not understanding why. I remember my mom telling me that no one went to school or to work for a few days afterwards and all of the roads were completely empty, as everyone lived with a sense of fear.

The unfortunate events that occurred on September 11, 2001 shaped my life growing up, even though I may not remember the events of that day.

I remember growing up and my mom would drive me to Girl Scouts and soccer practice. The only music she ever played was Bruce Springsteen’s album, The Rising. I can still recite his chilling lyrics to this day.

I remember hearing all of the horrible stories of children who lost their parents and hearing about our biggest heroes, firefighters, dying.

I also remember hearing about stories of freak coincidences, showing that God works in mysterious ways.

A story that sticks with me came from my fifth grade teacher. The dad of one of her students had worked at the World Trade Center and planned on going into work that day. Coincidentally, the child was sick and the mother planned on staying home with her. At the last minute, the parents switched their plans and the dad decided to stay home and watch the child. I can’t imagine what life would have been like if the dad went into work that day.

I remember my cousin taking me to Ground Zero back in 2011 when the memorial was under construction and it was extremely poignant. What was once the symbol of New York City is now just two massive seven foot holes. It was chilling to realize how many had died there and the events that occurred there.

I encourage you to reflect on all the lives that were changed that day and also the families that were affected by it. I hope you will always remember the people that stepped up and became heroes on that unfortunate day. If you are given the opportunity, I encourage you to thank those heroes.