story1046.xml

story1046.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-18

I was at work in downtown Chicago when my co-worker had seen on the internet a plane had just flown into the World Trade Center. We all started to hit the internet new sites and by the time we were able to get through to site the second plane had already hit tower two. By then we realized what was going on, the US was being attacked. My desk looked directly at the Sears Tower and I could not take my eyes off the building for fear that something was going to happen. The office was frantic with people trying to get information. I called my mother because I knew she would have access to a TV. I informed her I was fine and she informed me the FAA had ordered all planes to the ground. My company has offices in the Sear Tower and we had heard the building was being evacuated for safety. Moments later our building had been given the evacute signal as were most buildings downtown. I am disabled and use a van service to travel to and from work. Before we were given the evacuate call I had already contacted my transportation service to pick me up. As I waited on the street for my ride to come I was amazed by two things. Everyone, and I mean everyone was on a cell phone, and there were no planes in the air. Chicago is home to two major airports and for there to be empty skies sent chills down my spine. I had also call my wife, a school teacher, that I was enroute home and I was fine. Her school had received very scattered information so I told what I knew.
When I arrived home I was clued to the TV. Until that point I had only seen still photos and heard stories. Watching the tapes of what had happen made me shiver and cry. I was never in any danger, but for a few hours that day the unknown made me very nervous. I will never forget that day.