story10306.xml

story10306.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-01-07

September 11, 2001 still stands out in my memory like it was just yesterday. All of the emotions that myself and everyone around me encountered were terrifying. I woke up to the phone ringing with my mother screaming for me to turn on the television. She kept saying, "This isn't good. This can NOT be good!" I didn't even believe what was happening. All I could think was that there was some mistake with all of this. I literally had to pry myself off of the couch and away from the television to go to work. The atmosphere at the Jacksonville Landing was very somber. We gave free food and beverages away all day long. Several bomb threats were reported in the vacinity and eventually we shut down for the day. Every single person's attitude was consoling and loving. I have never seen so many strong, grown adults cry in my life, but it was like we were all feeling the same pain and shock. And the only good thing that had come out of that day was the "togetherness" that the whole world showed.

I have recently visited the World Trade Center Site and was one of the first people to take the Path Train when it reopened. It was exciting, but all I could think of was the lives lost there. It was a very eerie feeling. But at least I can say that whatever is decided to fill that void in the city will more beautiful, more precious and more meaningful than anything that ever stood there to begin with.

My heart goes out to every single person that this tradgedy affected. I pray everyday to never encounter something like this again.

Also to the Military fighting in Iraq. You are so brave. Jesse Gene and the 1484th, I love you!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!