story4930.xml

story4930.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was supposed to be in New York on September 11. I had been attending school there and planned on returning after visiting my family for the summer. But, finances and a recent engagement kept me in California. On that life-changing morning I was lying in bed with my fiance, Brian, when the phone rang. It was my best friend telling me to turn on the news. What I saw didn't quite register. I thought it was a movie. New York was covered in gray smoke and ash, and the twin towers were crumbling. People were screaming and jumping to their death.

Brian and I just sat on the edge of the bed, stunned. I was supposed to start a new job that day. Brian turned to me and said "Marry me, today." He's a Medic in the National Guard and he was worried that he might have to leave to fight a war. He wanted me to be his wife before he left. I said yes, then I called my new job and told them I wouldn't be in, I was getting married.

We called our family members and told them, then began to hunt for a place to wed. My mother was instrumental in securing us a place in Long Beach, where I was born. It was a small chapel with lots of flowers and they provided the marriage license. My mother also insisted on buying me a dress and shoes, my Nana bought cake for a small backyard reception and my friend bought flowers.

My husband-to-be was put on 24 hour alert and spent the day in uniform packing his gear and buying extra amunition. I was tired, sad, confused and scared. Seeing him prepare for possible war on our wedding day wasn't exactly what I had in mind.

That day we bought silver wedding bands from the jewelry store across the street from my bank. Brian ironed my wedding dress for me while I got ready, and we headed for the chapel.

We began the ceremony with a prayer for all those lost in the Twin Towers attacks and we ended the ceremony husband and wife.

Now, one year later, we are happily married and are weeks away from having our first child. As I watch the news and memorials for the 9-11 attacks I can't help but think of the look in Brian's eyes as he said his vows to me. In spite of death, potential war, and terrorist attacks, there was joy and love and the promise of a brighter future.

That is what no one can take away from us. We, as Americans, as human beings, have within us the power to shape our own destiny through our spirit, strength and love. It's hate that destroyed those towers, and love that will rebuild what was lost.