story7987.xml

story7987.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-19

My story perils in comparison to the many moving tributes and moments other people experienced. All much more heart wrenching that mine. I wasn't at either of the three locations on that day, i was simply sat behind my desk, starting my day talking to my friends, co-workers, a little sleepy, a little annoyed that it was only tuesday and i still had almost the whole week to go.
Then I was told of a plane hitting the World Trade Center, I have never been to NYC, other than to drive through it to go to JFK airport, i believed as many did, that it was an accident, till the second plane hit, and then the Pentagon, and the Somerset County Pa. At that moment, I don't think i truly believed what happened, actually did. It was so surreal. I felt numb all day, I wanted to cry for those that didn't know. But what right did i have to cry? I hadn't lost anybody, I was just an everyday person sat at my desk, but then again, ofcourse, So were they. I was mad that these people thought they had the right to come into the United States and destroy so many lives and our security. I stayed glued to the TV the following, days, weeks, months, watching everything i could. trying to take it all in and except it. Trying to figure out how I would explain this day, this moment in history that forever changed the way we function, to my children.
I wanted so badly to be able to help, to be able to say something of comfort to the many people that have lost, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, etc. But what could I say?
A year has passed, and we still go on, we still see the images that were ingraved in our heads that day, some more vividly than others. I recently visited the Flight 93 memorial, the closest site to where i am. I was moved by the silence of the people gathered, even the small children. That day, there had to be close to 100 people there, it seemed from every corner of the county, everyone seemed to know they were on hallowed ground. But the eeriest thing, the most poignant memory, were the symbols of love left behind. A teddy bear, charms, crosses, notes, single flowers, even happy meal toys, everything placed on rocks, or whatever platform could be found. And nothing, and i mean nothing was out of place. It was as if the wind wasn't even blowing, nothing was moved misplaced or touched, with all the people coming and going, everyone new the intensity of the moment.
I hope to travel to all the sights, I hope that one day i won't see a plane fly over ahead, and for a brief moment, wonder! And i hope that the men, women and children who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, are resting in peace, knowing they are thought of and missed every minute of every day, by someone, reminising that day.
Now I we all go to work a little less annoyed, not so bothered by being tired. Hopefully more loving, more involved in the lives of the people we love. If the plan Mr. Bin Laden was to destory out county, You failed! You bonded us, under one unforgettable, lasting moment. Hurt and broken a little, without question, but destoryed? You're not strong enough for that, We the citizens of the United State of American, are more couragous that you will ever be, and we have proven that this last year.
The message i have learned is live everyday as if its your last, don't leave words unspoken, love the life you have. Because, we just don't know!