lc_story107.xml

lc_story107.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-12-17

I was driving to work when my daughter called and said a plane had flown into one of the towers. We thought it was an accident, until the second plane hit.

At the time, I coordinated travel for several employees, some of whom were in New York City. It took two days to get in touch with everyone and find that they were all okay. Most of them rented cars and drove back to Memphis since all flights were cancelled.

I had a class that night at Bellhaven College, and when they told us we had to park outside the garage for security reasons, I cut class and went home and cried.

Absolute shock and disbelieve, soon replaced by grief that was almost unbearable.

I was also surprised and heartened at the outpouring of love and grief from citizens of other nations. We've stood by many other nations in their time of need, but I don't remember any other nation standing by the USA until September 11, 2001.

As a nation we were wounded, but it only served to unite us as we hadn't been for a very long time.

Strangely enough, I left the private sector after the attacks and came to work for the U. S. Navy in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division. I consider it a privilege and an honor to help take care of the ones who are taking care of us all.