story7000.xml

story7000.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

As usual, I awakened to get my daughter up for school. I did the normal things; made her breakfast, she got dressed, and I did the same. Before I took my daughter to school, I always fed my cats. They are always right at my feet, meowing away as though they never got fed. On this particular morning, they didn't do it, but I didn't notice. I was a little behind schedule, so I put a rush on feeding them and doing last minute details. As I went into the living room to retrieve my car keys and purse, I noticed the cats sitting by each other, and staring at the window. I thought that it was because I hadn't opened my blinds so they could enjoy the morning sun. So I opened them, yet it didn't phase them. They just sat there, staring, like statues. I thought this was a little strange. Then I went to check their food. It wasn't even touched! I didn't understand this behaviour, but I had no time to figure it out. I looked at the time. It was 8:45 am! I didn't know where the time had gone, and I was getting my daughter to school late. So, I left, and tried not to become irritated with traffic lights and slow drivers. I finally got her to school, and returned home to do typical household chores. When I returned home, the cats were still staring at the window, food untouched. I chose to ignore their unusual behaviour, and decided to go on the computer to retrieve some e-mail. As I did, my fiance had turned our bedroom TV on to see some sports updates before leaving to go to work. (He drives a truck into N.Y.C. to deliver all kinds of food and snacks for the Bloomberg Company in Manhatten.)
Not even five minutes later, my fiance came running to me stating that a jumbo jet had crashed into one of the World Trade Center buildings. I said that it was impossible,that he must be watching some kind of movie. He told me no, that it had hit it on purpose. I told him I'd be right there as soon as I finished my e-mail. Then all of a sudden he screamed, "Hon, oh my God! Another jumbo jet crashed into the second tower!" I hurried to go see just what was happening. Then I hear about the Pentagon! What was going on? Who was doing this, and why? I saw that horrible sight; the Twin Towers were terribly on fire. I told my fiance that I was going to go to the bridge on Rt. 1&9 to get a better view of the WTC. Little did I know what I was about to witness while being there, would be forever scarred on my soul.
I was not the only one on the bridge. Alot of cars had pulled over. We were all in shock as we viewed this horrific sight. Many were speculating on who organized this terrorist attack. Then, this one car pulled over. A woman who had to be in her 50's was hysterical. She was saying her daughter worked at the WTC, and had called her saying what had happened and to come save her. She worked on the 90th floor, but her Mother didn't know which tower. She was frantic, and had her neighbor drive her, but had heard on the radio that all entrances were being closed to N.Y.C. She stated the last thing her daughter had said to her was, "Help me, Mommy. I can't get out. They aren't letting us out. Please! Come and get me. I don't want to die!" As her Mother was ready to answer her, her daughter's cell phone died. That only caused this poor woman more grief and panic. She was screaming and crying, and so helpless. This was her baby, and she couldn't help her. We all, as strangers, tried to comfort her. She did calm down a little, for we all tried to give her some kind of hope. I walked away, and just looked across the horizon, and stared at the WTC.
A man walked up to me. Why he singled me out is a mystery to me. He offered to let me view with his high powered binoculars. I thought they couldn't have been that strong, but I took up his offer. When I looked, I was more than traumatized. I could actually see people waving frantically in the windows for help that would never come. There was a lady wearing a red suit, and waving (in sheer panic) what appeared to be a white hankerchief. My heart hurt. This was too much. I wondered how in the world could they get to these people and help them to safety. Then...it happened. The Tower started to collapse. To me, it was falling in slow motion. I saw the lady in red disappear. I must have fallen, for the next thing I knew, the man who offered me the binoculars was trying to help me up. I looked again. All I could see was one lone tower, alone, without its twin beside him, and alot of sickening black smoke and brown dust. I was in shock. No words can describe what I had just witnessed. And, those binoculars made it worse, for I was viewing as though I was in a building right across from the Towers. I don't recall how long it was before the second Tower went down. I just recall everyone screaming. Everything had become a blur. I had just witnessed human beings lose their lives as the first Tower collapsed. Shortly afterwards, I hugged everyone good-bye, and drove home. What could I do to help anyone? Many others left, too. We were all speechless, and helpless.
When I returned home, my fiance said he didn't have to go into the City until they reopened it. He just had to help with the stock and inventory until then. I was relieved.
I didn't know what else could happen, but I knew one thing. I had to go pick up my daughter from school. I wanted her home with me. Many parents had come to pick up their children, so I was not alone. I took my daughter to the bridge so she could see. She was shocked. I couldn't tell her what I had witnessed through those binoculars. God made it so I had to focus on her, and her many questions. And, my cats? They knew something had happened. Maybe they even heard it. But one thing's for sure; they sensed all was not well. I guess cats do have a sharp sense of when things aren't right.
Now it's a year later, and two days. I pray for those souls who perished that day, and their families, and friends. I applaud the heroes who tried to rescue, and became victims themselves. I applaud all those who gave unselfish hours, days, and months of their lives to clean up the worst disaster in history. God bless all of these people.
Since then, I have appreciated my life more. I share more time with my family and friends. I don't take anything for granted. I'm blessed to be stressed, because I have all of my children, and a very loving fiance. I don't complain as often. Life is precious. Live it to the fullest. We never know when it's our time to go to God. Be thankful for everything. And whenever you think you have it bad, just remember those who lost their loved ones at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Do not forget those who perished in the airlines, either. Maybe then, you'll appreciate the life you have. I know I do.