story4758.xml

story4758.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I had just started my first graders on a timed writing assignment when another teacher came down the hall rubbing her shoulders. She was shaking her head in disbelief and talking about a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Center buildings. I thought it was just a horrible accident until one of my first grade team members came to me white as a ghost. She said that they had just attacked the Pentagon and had flown planes into both towers of the World Trade Center. I finally understood the magnitude of the situation. We just fell into each other's arms and hugged for a long time. We all struggled to get through the day as best as we could. I have never had to hold back tears for so long. The staff at the school worked together to accomodate the parents arriving to pick up their children as well as keeping those who remained at school occupied. When I arrived home I turned on the television. It remained on for many days as I tried to absorb all that happened. The tears finally came.