story6406.xml

story6406.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

At the time of the attacks, I was 3 months pregnant with my first child. I worked at a jewelry store, and I was in my car on the way to work when over the radio I heard that a plane had hit the WTC. Thinking "What a horrible accident!" -- I changed the radio station to try and find out more information. The second station was broadcasting that a second explosion had happened, possibly a second plane, and it was at that exact moment that I knew it was no accident. When I reached the store, the other girls and I were glued to the radio. That's when we heard about the Pentagon, and I immediately called my mother. She was crying, and I was fighting tears. Then, we noticed other stores in mall were closing, and found out that a plane had gone done in the Somerset area [which is probably between 50-100 miles away]. We were so scared and uncertain of what was happening! We hurried and closed up shop.
It wasn't until I got home that I saw the horrific images of the plane crashes and the towers collapsing!! I stood in amazement at what I was seeing!! I remember thinking "What kind of world I am bringing a child into?" In the meantime, I begged my husband to come home [but he couldn't], so I remained on the phone with my mother and aunt -- nobody saying anything but needing to be in touch somehow!
Today, one year later, I still get a feeling in the pit of my stomach when I hear a fire siren! I used to enjoy the sounds of planes going overhead in the summer, and now I find myself watching them out of the corner of my eye -- just in case! I have never had such a frightening or sickening feeling in my entire life as I had that day and the days to follow. Now, I pray my daughter never has to feel the sheer horror that was that day! God bless us and keep us in these times of difficulty!