I wish I would've known

From our trip to Ground Zero last year.

Today is 9/11 and on this day 10 years ago, I was a silly little 18-year-old freshman girl embarking on her second week of college, completely oblivious to the fact that the tragic events that transpired that day would make an indelible mark on our country's history. I wish I would've known. I wish I would've paid more attention and knew what I was watching. I wish I would've been less of a self-centered teenager and more of an educated adult. I wish I would've honored all the lives that were cut short. I wish I would've appreciated the acts of heroism that took place that day.

Badges from Fire Departments around the nation that came to help.

Ten years ago today, I slept in my loft bed with my alarm set to a static ridden radio station. That morning, my alarm went off and I heard a fuzzy announcement about a crash in New York. I wish I would've known to listen more closely.
But I didn't know any better. I was young, foolish and didn't try to understand the events that day. I wish I would've known.