September 11, 2001. The day that changed our nation 15 years ago. I was six years old when this tragic event occurred. Although, I may have only been six years old, I remember this day vividly. The reason? That could've been me.

On September 11, 2001 I was en route to my first trip to Disney World, every kid's dream. I was going to miss class that day. I was super excited. My parents had been planning this trip for awhile. I had been on plenty of planes before, but hadn't remembered them. This trip was the first time I was going to fly a plane and actually remember it. And boy, do I remember this flight.

Thanks to the terrorists, this flight is one I will never forget. My family and I boarded the flight scheduled to leave around 8:00 AM. We took off on schedule, not knowing that flights leaving at the same time would soon be crashing into the twin towers.

We were in the air soaring over land and the excitement of getting to see Mickey Mouse was starting to build up. Then all the excitement came to a sudden halt. Over the intercom, there was an announcement. I didn't understand it at all. The pilot used words I couldn't understand. I quickly tapped my Dad and asked what he said. My dad just simply explained bad guys took over some planes. I was six years old. I didn't comprehend the magnitude of my dad's last statement. My dad then explained that we were going to have an emergency landing. Again, I was six years old. All I cared about was meeting my favorite Disney character, Eeyore. I was so sad. I didn't get why we had to land. Disney was only like a two hour flight, why are we stopping after only 30 mins?

Our flight took an emergency landing in Indianapolis about a couple hours drive from Chicago. We were informed that a a flight had crashed into the World Trade Center after being hijacked by terrorists. It was within the hour of 9:00 AM and we were safe in the Indianapolis airport. People were flocking to the TV monitors in the airport. I remember some people were crying and some people just stayed glued to the screen. I was so confused. Then I remember my mom and many people scrambling to ticket counter after ticket counter. I remember just clutching the straps of my barbie backpack and holding my Dad's hand.

Many many hours later, my mom informed me we got a rental car. We couldn't get our luggages because security had to go through them. It could be a week before we got them back. I was sad because I had some "prized possessions" in there. I was quickly shuffled by my parents into a rental car, trying to escape the chaos of the airport. Luckily, Indianapolis wasn't too far a drive and we were going to be home quickly. On the way to the rental car place, I remember the cab driver saying that Disney had been closed for security reasons. My heart shattered.

I don't remember much of the drive other than it was pretty silent except for the news on the radio. My parents just kept saying bad guys did something to people in New York. I still didn't understand. When we got home, my parents stayed glued to the TV on endless news.

I was angry because I didn't know why I was home. I was told I had to go to school the next day. I was angry. My mom told me one day I'd understand but for right now just pray and count my blessings. We'd go to Disney soon.

I went to school the next day. When getting in line my teacher was surprised to see me. I remember saying "Hi Ms. Klotz! I'm here because stupid terrorists!" I remember she just shuffled me into the classroom not wanting to say anything.

I don't remember when I fully learned the story of 9/11, but I remember that when I did, I was shocked. That could have been me. As I got older, the severity of this day hit me harder. God was so good and I am so blessed! The terrorists could've been on my plane.

As we remember the 15th anniversary of this day, I want you to remember that this event could have taken any of our lives. We must live for those who died that tragic day. Thank your local heroes such as firefighters, policeman, paramedics. They risk their lives everyday for us. It could have been them rushing into the Twin Towers that day. It could have been any of us. Be thankful this 9/11 and always remember it.