story1174.xml

story1174.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-19

That morning as I was working on some reports I received a call from my mother. She asked me if I was listening to the news on the radio. I had my radio off at the time so I asked her what was going on...she said something just hit the WTC. I thought she might be mistaken, but I turned on my radio. This was just as the first plane hit. I told my co-worker what just happened and we pulled out our TV from the storage area. We turned it on and began to view the most horrific event we had ever witnessed. We sent an email to all the employees in the company and they rushed to every conference room and training room where TVs were available.

I work for a General Aviation company so it was a major impact to our business. Our executives where immediately on the phone with each of our bases throughout the country. Meanwhile we sat in our office staring at the TV as if it was some Hollywood movie. Some cried, some got mad, some could not watch, some just stared in complete silence. When the second plane hit, the posibility of an "accident" scenario was destroyed. We stared in horror! We could say nothing, but why is this happening? Are we under attack?

The media began to report that all planes were grounded. I stared out my window on the 14th floor and searched the sky for planes. Then the pentagon was hit. Another plane down. Finally the first tower colapsed! All I could do was cry. I just kept saying, "they're still in there, they're still in there! My God all those people! They couldn't get out!"

Everyone was in such a state that we were sent home at around noon. I spent the rest of the day calling my family in Puerto Rico and trying to reach my relatives in NYC. It would be 3 weeks before we could get through to our relatives in NYC. Thankfully they were OK. They had seen the whole event from the window of their apartment.

For the first few weeks I had recurring nightmares of walking through the ruins and seeing people hurt and screaming for help, the smoke so thick that I could barely see. I would wake up shacking and crying unable to fall asleep again for the rest of the night.

Our business was paralysed for a month. We still haven't gotten to our feet entirely. I have flown since then 3 times. I must admit I didn't feel afraid. Somehow through this experience I was able to get back in touch with my spirituality and have gain a sort of calm. I know that no matter what happens we will be OK.

I pray that we will never have to go through anything so tragic ever again and hope that tomorrow the leaders of all countries and rebel groups will gain the compasion and understanding to see that killing is not the answer to any question or conflict.