I went down to my office, called my boss, and told him I was leaving. I locked my door, and left the building, but I did not know where to go. I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to go to Penn station, so I went to my home office, which is just a block away. It was there that I learned the Pentagon was hit too. That voice inside my head was now making a lot of sense. I had made some phone calls, telling people that I was ok. I had heard that the city was shut down, and no bridges or tunnels were open. I really didn't know what to do. I was pacing in the office, listening to the radio. I had this overwhelming need to get out. I decided to go to the 59th street bridge and see for myself. While walking up to the bridge, I passed a bar that had its doors open, and TVs on. I watched in horror as the first tower collapsed. That little voice was screaming now, and I left the bar and continued to the bridge. To my surprise, it was open, not only to pedestrians, but also to cars. This is where I was amazed. I was ready to walk across but I didn't need to . Every car that was heading out was pulling over to pick people up. I got into a minivan, with a bunch of other strangers, and was across in 10 mins. Say what you want about New Yorkers, but when the shit hits the fan, we come together.

I got out of the van, and started to walk towards Northern Blvd. The traffic eastbound (out of the city) was tremendous. I kept walking. I just wanted to get as far away as I could. All the time, looking back at the smoke blanketing the city. After about 2 hours of walking, I got into a cab, and headed to my girlfriends job. It was here where I saw an F-15 fighter screaming thru the sky. I thought I'd never see that in NY. Since then I have seen a few fighters, here and there, but somewhat disturbing is watching it from the back deck of my house. That used to be my sanctuary. A place where I can go to watch the water and seagulls, and the boats pass by. Not anymore. It just doesn't have that soothing effect anymore. I feel kinda dull. Sort of emotionless.

Having said this, I am one of the fortunate ones. Everyone I know and love, made it out alive. And I know people that were much closer than I.

There is one thing that I have noticed that is a positive. Everyone seems to be much nicer now. More patient. Especially on the road. Even I am incredibly nice. And for those that know me, I am the King of Road Rage. Ok, maybe not the King, but definitely the Prince. I just hope it stays that way.

This is just one of millions of stories from September 11th. I hope I never see anything like this again. I will never be the same.






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