story4095.xml

story4095.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I work 2nd shift, so I am not always an early riser. My cat, of 11 years, had died the previous day of a brain tumor, and I was not sleeping well. So I was up, and moving around when I heard my mothers' voice... and realized that something horrible had happened. I ran to the living room to watch the TV, and was shocked from head to toe, at what the newsmen/women were reporting. The World Trade Center.... was under attack??? I couldnt believe my eyes when, as I watched the skyline, they saw another plane approaching.. and as the world exploded for millions... I cried. I shook. I felt like chicken little, that the sky was falling, and that the darkest day I had ever thought to see, had arrived. I have heard older folks talk about, "where were you when Kennedy got shot?"; or "where were you when we landed on the moon?"; or, "where were you when the space shuttle blew up?" I will never forget the earth shattering feelings of 9-11-01, nor the horror. I was fortunate that I had no one there that I knew personally. I have felt for all those who did have loved ones, friends or family. My nephew is a fireman, and I a health care worker... and I know, had we been able to be there.. he and I both would have been in the middle of it, and have nothing but respect, admiration, and total understanding of those who gave their all for their fellow coworkers, friends, and family members. I think that is what makes America..... the willingness of all of us who live here, to help one another pick up a heavy load, and bear it on to fruition. I thank you for this opportunity. I also want to thank the city of New York, and Mr. Guliani, for keeping our hopes up, and giving us hope, when it is human nature to look down... I guess that lady in his harbor... holding a light unto the darkness, was truly an inspiration to him, and thus to the world.