Everyone who was alive at the time has a memory of 9/11. I had been in New York on business the weekend before, attending the grand opening of a client’s restaurant next to the World Trade Center, along with some colleagues. We also went to a Yankees game and enjoyed a beautiful Italian festival in Port Washington.
I had a ticket to return on 9/11, but as fate would have it, I had to rush back to Charlotte for business and flew out on 9/10. Many of my friends and family didn’t know I had returned early, so my phone was constantly ringing that day.
It feels strange to think about how close I was to the tragedy. While my experience is nothing compared to the immense loss and bravery witnessed that day, it truly changed me. I think it changed all of us. I hope our country never forgets how we felt that day.