7 years ago this September I entered College. I left friends and family behind and moved to Los Angeles. My girlfriend was Teresa, and she lived back in Fort Wayne.

She had won Prom Queen¹ earlier that year in May, so I had a good feeling she would probably be voted Homecoming Queen. So in early August I decided to book a trip back for Homecoming to surprise her.

I may not be the most consistent boyfriend, but I am usually good at pulling off surprises (probably because nobody expects much out of me). But the surprise backfired when I heard her making plans for that weekend, so I told her I was coming home.

Then 9/11 happened.

I was scheduled to connect through Chicago on a United 767 nine days after 9/11. I say this because we knew the terrorists could fly 767s - it is what was used on 9/11. They also seemed to like the symbollic nature of using "United" airlines. Plus, the "intelligence" at the time said the Sears Tower was also suppose to be a target. The panic that set in was quite large from both the Los Angeles and Fort Wayne sides of my life. And as most concerned and loving people would do - I was advised by everyone to say in LA.

I remember feeling afraid - I acknowledge that - but I remember reiterating that I was never going to live my life in a manner where fear paralyzed me. I was planning on spending a special weekend with my girlfriend and terrorists were not going to stop me.

Admittedly it was the most awkward flight I ever took in my life. I have since flown over 180,000 miles but those 1,745 were the quietest miles I ever spent in the sky. Even LAX and O'Hare was silent and tense.



But it was all worth it. The above picture would never have taken place had fear actualized. But more important than a picture, the memories and time spent with loved ones would have been missed.

I embark today on another surprise trip (hopefully this time it is more of a surprise). And on the 7 year anniversary of September 11th, I have a feeling when I step onto the plane it will resemble more of the previous 178,000 miles in the air than it will the 1,700 after 9/11.

But I think that is what makes America great. While many nations hold onto fears and insecurities about their past, America always presses on. We refuse to live in fear.

And while I know many thought it was reckless to fly on September 20, 2001, I knew it was only time before others would do the same and life as we know it in America would return to the same. Moving on and returning to a full life after a tragedy is the most honorable thing to do.

Ohh crap, I am late. Gotta go. Wish me luck on the surprise!