story3327.xml

story3327.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

My husband and I had just returned from Corona del Mar (San Diego) the day before and we took an additional day off from work. I got up early and turned on the television and couldn't believe what I was seeing. I saw a man in a business suit falling out of a large tower building. I initially thought this was a film technique and not real. As I continued to watch, I was overcome with utter disbelief and couldn't imagine what was happening was real. I sat transfixed to the television when the 2nd plane hit the towers and literally couldn't believe what was happening. My husband came wandering into the livingroom asking why I was up so early and after seeing my expression on my face, he turned his head to the television and stared transfixed to what was taking place. He questioned what happened and immediately the broadcaster started speaking about what was unfolding before our eyes. In my entire life, I never imagined being witness to such hatred and war although I read many stories in history books during my school years. We all assume that those days were in history and would never occur again. I cannot say how much impact seeing what was happening changed my way of thinking and how we live. I was gripped with sheer fear and didn't know what to do. Shortly thereafter, the entire sky in Southern California ceased with planes with the exception of a lone jet fighter passing overhead. People were transfixed and traffic on the streets was non-existent. Businesses closed and people were rushing home to their families. For the next several hours, everybody's life was changed and our normal day-to-day life seemed like a faint memory because all that was important was being with family and loved ones and comforting one another. September 11, 2001 changed my life, my way of thinking and my entire outlook of life. I cherished my family and friends and realized they were far more important than anything else. People seemed to feel the same and within a short time, American flags were being displayed proudly outside of homes, businesses, on cars, on clothing, everywhere you looked people became united. This day will forever be etched in my mind and one that completely taught me what was really important and life was a gift that should be cherished. I pray that those who bravely lost their lives that they didn't do so in vain, but will be remembered forever in history.