story5057.xml

story5057.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

September 11, 2001, was going to be a great day for me. It was my 27th birthday and I had found out just 6 days before that I was finaly pregnant with the child I had tried for nearly a year to conceive. I woke up feeling great and stopped to pick up some treats for my coworkers to celebrate my birthday. I was in the breakroom reading a book, waiting for my shift to start when someone popped in and told me that two planes had just flown in to the World Trade Center. I said, "Two? How did that happen?" He replied, "It wasn't an accident."

The rest of the day was spent with the TV on in our library's lobby. For many patrons, coming in to the library was the first they heard of the tragedy. Some simple stood and watched. Some hopped on the internet to see what else they could learn. Many talked, some sad, some angry, all hurt and confused. It was a long day.

For me, I was torn. Part of me was mad that such a thing could happen, let alone on my birthday. Part of me wondered just what kind of world I was bringing a child in to. Part of me was comforted by the knowledge that even as so many lives were lost, a new one was growing inside of me. In a way, I was already healing. Later, when I heard of all the pregnant wives of men lost in the attack, I wondered if their babies gave them strength to carry on, or were a constant reminder of what they'd lost.

Now, a year later, as I turn 28, I look at my beautiful, healthy, happy 4 month old boy, and I know that life does indeed go on. I also realize just how blessed I am, and I thank God for all he has given me and this wonderful nation we live in.