story20631.xml

story20631.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2006-09-11

Five years later, and yet it feels like it was only a few months ago. So fresh in my mind. I was 7 months pregnant, my husband works in Manhattan - but not in the WTC. I could not reach him, all the while watching the devastation unfold on tv. I cried so hard, I thought I'd be having my baby alone. I prayed, no, I begged God, to please send him home safe. And He did. For which I am so grateful. Five years later, I still cry at the thought of that day - everytime I see a picture of the WTC, or hear about it on TV, my eyes fill and I can't speak. All the lives lost, all the people above the fires jumping, hanging out of windows. All the people who were almost out, but the buildings collapsed before they could get out. All the rescue workers, there to save lives, and died. And my God, all the families, all the children who are missing a parent. And now, five years later, people who were there to help, are dying from lung problems. My son will be 5 soon, he was born 11/20/01, just 2 1/2 months after that fateful day. And while he will know about 9/11 from history books and movies, I am grateful that he'll never know the fear, the pain, that the rest of us suffer after witnessing this horrible event. One day, a few months ago, we were looking at a puzzle (one of those 3D type that stand up) of NYC. It was dated because it still included the WTC. My son, in all his innocence, pointed to the two tallest buildings and said "mommy, what are those?" I went to answer him and became choked up - it's still so hard to believe.... And so hard to explain! A child does not know the hatred and anger that inspired that attack. I always figured, as the years went by, it wouldn't bother me as much as it did then. How I wish that were true. Once again, I pray that my son never has to witness such an event. If only I could protect him forever....