Alan Jackson’s song asked a question we all wanted or tried or needed to answer, or maybe we tried to ignore it, after September 11, 2001: “Where were you when the world stopped turning?”

Good friend IRL Ken Ballard has graciously given me permission to share what he wrote yesterday —

I always remember vividly where I was this morning on a Tuesday 25 years ago. I was locked down in a oil refinery in Robinson Illinois where I was doing a contractor inspection.

Once released in the afternoon I finally made it back home and hudling on the couch with Deena and the kids thanking God for my family.

I always remember how much we were a country joined in unity the months after. No matter who you were or what you believe we were united as americans.

This is why Come From Away has been my favorite stage musical for years.

So sad to see what we have lost as a country due to the path of divisiveness our country has experienced in the years since.

Praying for those who lost loved ones this sad day 25 years ago.