story3575.xml

story3575.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I had the day off of work and decided to take advantage of the early bird special at Jiffy Lube to get my oil changed. As I was in the waiting area I heard on the radio that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers. I thought to myself, "What idiot pilot couldn't see the tower?" Minutes later I heard the news about the second plane and by then there was live air shots on the television above my head. I remember the news casters voices, trying ever so hard to stay composed. The rest of the news cast was a blur to me because by the time my car was finished, I had a pit in the bottom of my stomach. I drove all the way home paying close attention to other drives faces and reactions, as I was sure they were hearing the same news that I was. I spent the next 7 hours in front of the television set crying uncontrollably. I felt sick. I honestly couldn't believe that I had just seen that happen. My children were at school that day and I was wondering if they would know anything was wrong. Apparently the school had a little assembly because as hard as the teachers tried to not show concern or sadness, it was apparent to lots of the children that there was something wrong. I spent an hour after they were home wondering what I was suppose to say to them since I couldn't even understand or explain it to myself. When I finally sat down with them, my heart just sank. I thought, "Look at what I have been forced to do." I will forever remember the first day that my youngest son, age 7, heard the plane overhead after the attack. He crouched down, shielded his hands over his head and cried, "No, not us. Please don't hurt us." Then the following day my oldest son, aged 9, came home and was very proud to tell me that his school had decided to join in to collect money for the Afganistan children. I thought to myself, "through tradegy, this child has learned compassion and empathy" - at age 9.

I will never forget listening, seeing and hearing all of the reports, broadcasts and interviews about the attack and knowing that I had a newfound respect for America and I was proud to be on this soil.

Thanks to all those that helped, prayed and most of all those who sacrificed and lost their lives in this horrible tragedy.

God Bless America.........