story4642.xml

story4642.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was driving to work and Lee had called to tell me that a plane had just hit the world trade center, my first thought was what a horrible accident, how could something like this happen. I turned on 720am radio to get the details and within minutes the second plane had hit and they announced that this was no accident but that The United States was under attack. I was closer to work than home and was on my way in for a meeting, so I keep going, but my ears were glued to the radio, desperate for information on what was happening. By the time that I got to work, everyone was huddled around the TV and I joined them, we all watched in silence and disbelief. The meeting was cancelled because our vistors flight from Michigan was cancelled. They called to tell us that they were stranded and would try to get a car rented so that they could drive home to Texas to be with their families. I called my brother and brother-in-law, who both fly quit a bit for their jobs, and both were safe, so I felt better knowing where they were at. I called to chedk on my parents and sister, they both live locally and they too were fine but very nervous about what had just happened. We all went through the motions that day, very little work was accomplished. When I got home that night I was glued to the TV, watching the fire fighters,police and volunteers working to rescue people. We called to see if additonal volunteers were needed, but they said that money was wht they needed, so we made several donations to several funds, including those being taken at the grocery store. My 21 year old really wanted to go to New York, but I had advised her of what was requested and instead she prayed with us, for those who lost their lives. A year has passed and there is not a day that goes by that I don't wonder, what will be next?
Today 9/11/2002, I again drove to work, traffic was terrible, but nobody cared, when there was a moment of silence on the radio, the cars just stopped on the highway and what should have been an hours drive took 2 hours adn I was late for a meeting. Believe it or not hte meeting was with the same people that we should have meet with last year, and when I walke din and saw Gary, tears came to my eyes, I gave him a hug and told him that I was happy to see him and happy that he was able to be here today. We re-called last years events and made note of the fact that had he taken his flight last year, he may not be here today.
The meeting went well. I wished him a safe flight home and will wait for him to call and let me know that he is safely back in Texas.
Everyone I talked with today had the same feeling, you wished that you didn't have to work today, but that you could have stayed home with your loved ones. The whole day was a teary eyed day and tonight when Lee gets home I will make sure to tell him that I love him and how much I appreciate him. Tonight I'll say an extra prayer for those who were killed and for those who risked their lives to a save others, tonight I will Thank God for allowing me to live in The United States of America, tonight will not be like any other night!