story5677.xml

story5677.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was at work, sitting at my desk when a colleague came in and told me that he had just heard that a plane had hit the WTC. I didn't give it too much thought. I assumed it was a small plane. A few minutes later we heard that another plane had hit the towers and that's when I knew it was a deliberate act. We ran into the conference room and watched the towers burning on TV. it was horrible and at first all I could think of was the poor people above where the plane hit. I never imagined what would happen next. We watched the tower fall and I was in tears. I went into the street and looked down 5th avenue and saw one tower standing and on fire. it was surreal. Thousands of people on the street. People crying and lines at every pay phone. I was 8 months pregnant and felt so sick. My husband is a NYC firefighter and he was out on medical leave that day. We live in Putnam County so it wasn't so easy for him to rush to the towers. I am so grateful for that. 4 firefighters from his house were lost that day. I remember waking up the next day and feeling kind of achy and tired as we hadn't had much sleep the night before. Then I looked over at my husband and felt that I had no right to complain about being tired or anything else I was one of the lucky ones that still had a husband. I felt that way when my daughter was born on October 22nd 2001 as well. In the days following the attack, I spent a lot of time with my husband at his fire house on west 31st street. It was a very emotional time. The out pouring of concern and love from the community was incredible. Flowers notes and candles everywhere. Tons of food, clothing and anything anyone could think of was dropped off.
I cannot believe that a whole year has passed since the tragedy took place. I am so grateful that I did not know anyone personally that perished that day but my heart breaks for those that suffered such an incredible loss.