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This is the date everything changed forever

As a member of the media, I remember we were pressed into action and it was without precedent
new york city stock

This is just one of those dates I wish I could wipe off the calendar.

It doesn't matter how many years have gone by, Sept. 11 always dawns with a shiver and a sickening feeling.

So, here we are at another Sept. 11, 17 years after the attack on the United States that changed everything.

It wasn't the first act of terrorism, but it most assuredly was a wake-up call for all of us.

I was reflecting on how much has changed since that horrible day.

It is not an overstatement to suggest everything changed.

Have you ever looked at the New York City skyline again in the same way since? I know I haven't. It is still beautiful, but in such a bittersweet way.

It was the most obvious time I realized just what we all call on our first-responders to do. They run in when the rest of the world is running out. I think we learned to do a better job of telling them we appreciate their efforts.

As a member of the media, I remember we were pressed into action and it was without precedent. We were the connection to what was happening around the world. It felt very important. I was proud of my profession that day and the days to come.

It was the first and last time I thought Rudy Guiliani was a steady hand at the helm. It was his finest moment as the mayor of NYC.

That moment, unfortunately, is long passed as he is now just a kooky mouthpiece for a kookier leader.

Before 9/11 we didn't have to take our shoes off at the airport. We could bring regular sizes of shampoo onto an airplane. We didn't have to be frisked and have our bags searched at the entrance to a tourist destination or concert.

I regret that now I find myself sizing up the people who will be my seat mates on a trip. Do they look sinister? Does their baggage look mysterious? I don't want to think that way, but I admit that it crosses my mind.

I feel like I have to Velcro my own suitcases to my hip in case it is tampered with.

Travel is now more stressful than relaxing.

Security has obviously been beefed up everywhere which I guess its a positive thing. I'm not sure I am any less fearful.

I know for anyone directly impacted by the horrors of that day will never forget the images or the gut punch we all got.

May it be of some comfort that that date is never forgotten by anyone, anywhere and never will be.


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About the Author: Wendy King

Wendy King writes about all kinds of things from nutrition to the job search from cats to clowns — anything and everything — from the ridiculous to the sublime. Watch for Wendy's column weekly.
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