story6326.xml

story6326.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

I listened to the attacks on the radio in my office in total disbelief. I wasn't sure how to react because it seemed so unreal. How could we be attacked in such magnitude? Who had done this thing? I went into the cafeteria and sat with my co-workers in front of a tv - still dry-eyed, unable to process the situation. We were dismissed from work early that day. I called my husband and picked up my son, who had turned 1 1/2 one month before. All I could think about was hugging him close to me and never letting go. What kind of future had I given my child? Were there going to be more attacks? Was I prepared for them? How would I protect my son? My husband was told to continue working that day, so he could not come home and be with us. I took my son to see my mother. I remember a lot of my family from south Texas calling me because I work and live near DFW airport and they were concerned for my safety. I also remember that my husband's mother and stepdad were up in Kansas City that week taking a class. They had chosen to drive to Kansas City instead of flying (totally unusual for them). They ended up being able to drive back while the people who flew were stuck for a long time, as flights had to be rescheduled, etc. I have learned to appreciate my family and the time I have with them much more. If the attack had been here, they might not have known how much that they mean to me everyday. It is just this year, on the day of rememberance, that I have cried and grieved.