In September 2001, I was married to an NYPD officer and living in the Bronx. We are no longer married but that day is burned in my memory forever. He was off duty that day. I had a one-day conference in Chicago. I flew United Flight 685 from EWR to ORD, landing at 7:35 am CST. I walked past a TV, saw the first plane hit, and ran to the Hertz counter. I rented a car and a cell phone and basically, turned left onto Route 80 in my quest to get home.

I turned on a news radio station and just listened to the horror unfolding in my beloved city and our world. I realized our country was now changed forever.

At that time, my parents had just retired to NEPA. When I crossed into Pennsylvania, I called my parents and said "how much longer?" They said "about 400 miles more but we are going to start driving and meet you". I had no idea how long PA was.

I pulled into a rest stop and went into a stall to cry. On top of the toilet paper holder, there was a clear stone with a gold cross sticker on it. I carry that stone on every single flight to this day.

I was lucky, I made it home. First to my parents, and then the next morning, I was able to get over the GWB to help all of our police + firefighter friends and family get through each horrible day. I lost so many people that day - and went to funerals well into 2002.

I am forever grateful to the first responders and all of the people who were heroes in any small way on that fateful day and all the days afterwards. One of the things I remember the most was the country coming together - and American flags proudly displayed everywhere.

I actually flew EWR to ORD this past weekend to see my niece with that stone - and, as I sat on that runway headed to ORD, I remembered every single moment of that tragic day. 25 years later, it still feels the same. Never forget 9.11.01.