Today We Remember

Its unfortunate that we met again in Gallagher-Iba Arena for a memorial to honor and celebrate 4 people of the OSU Family. One of the favorite things that Larry Reece (the voice of the Cowboys) said "It doesn't seem fair that a University should have to go through this twice, but honestly no family should have to go through this once."

Its hard for me to not compare where I am today and where I was 10 years ago. Today, I can say that I'm thankful to have my husband by my side. I'm thankful that age has brought more perspective to my life. It doesn't make things like this easier and it doesn't make me forget or "get over" the loss of 10 years ago, but it does give me more maturity and knowledge to just get through it.

I'm also very selfishly thankful that I wasn't sitting on the floor of Gallagher today. The floor is for family, special guests close to the victims, and athletic staff of those who worked with the victims. My heart broke for the families and friends. I remember all too well how hard it was to deal with the tragic, surprising loss.

When I got home from work and was thinking again about what I was thankful for, I changed my mind. I'm so thankful that I was on that floor 10 years ago. If I hadn't have been there, that means I wouldn't have known the men in that plane. I'm blessed to have known them. As hard as it is for those people to be on the floor today, they were lucky to know Kurt Budke, Miranda Serna and Olin and Paula Branstetter. All I've heard from every person who knew them or encountered them in some way is that each of them have a contagious personality, a love for their family, and a passion for OSU Basketball! Those on the floor are fortunate and blessed to be there. You may never want to be there, but fortunate and blessed just the same.

"Proud and immortal, though broken and torn.
Four taken, the rest of a Nation left to mourn.

The chill of November never brought such cold.
Though not unfamiliar, like a nightmare retold.

Too fresh, the wounds of a snowy Colorado night.
Too surreal, the thought of another fateful flight.

The bell still chimes, though no one hears.
The fountain still flows, though now with tears.

America's brightest orange will shine once again-
lighting the way for the four, as it did for the ten.

With broken hearts and shaken to the core,
We will Ride on, in due remembrance of the four.

America's brightest orange will shine once again.
Lighting the way for the four as it did for the ten.

Proud and immortal, arm in arm with me and you.
And ever you'll find them, still loyal and true."
~Christopher Snodgrass