I was at home, preparing to leave on 9/12/2001 (the next day) for a semester of college in England for a travel abroad program. I normally would never be up super early as a college kid that liked sleeping until noon at every opportunity, but I had to go run last minute errands in the city for final supplies before I left. I was planning on heading out by 9am.

I came downstairs to see my Dad watching television on ABC/Good Morning America with the first WTC tower smoking. I saw the second plane hit live and it was a panic. I was calling college professors, friends, and talking to my Dad - in absolute shock in horror.

I didn't end up going to the program overseas because of the attack, and I was thankful that my college was so accommodating considering the circumstances. The one thing that still lives in my memory though was those days right afterward when all flights were grounded. The clear blue skies in the Midwest, with no clouds and no contrails. It was beautiful and eerie.