story8000.xml

story8000.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-19

Like so many other Americans, I was nowhere near New York, Washington D.C., or that field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. I was at home sleeping after having worked the night shift at the hospital that I am employed at. I remember waking up and looking at the television that I'd left on and thinking that instead of the Today Show that should have been on, somehow the channel must have been changed to a movie channel showing some action film.

The images flashed before my eyes over and over of those two planes crashing into the World Trade Center, of the people terrified beyond explanation running away from the collapsing buildings, the news of the planes crashing into the Pentagon and into a field in Pennsylvania filled my ears. Slowly I came to realise this wasn't a movie, it wasn't even a nightmare. I sat there on my couch and watched the towers collapse and felt like my heart was being crushed. I knew I was watching thousands die right before my eyes. I was afraid for myself, for my family, for our country. All I wanted to do at that moment was surround myself with people that I loved, to hold them tight and never let go.

It's been over a year now and remembering that day still brings back a little bit of the cold and fear, but more than anything else my heart is now filled with pride and love. I considered myself patriotic before 9/11 but now words can't describe how I feel about America. We are a strong and proud people that can find faith and hope in the face of the greatest adversity. We are a people that can pull together and help our neighbors who are hurting. We are a people with a spirit that can not ever be broken, no matter what. God bless America.