story1700.xml

story1700.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-03

I was late for work that day and like usual,I had my bedroom television tuned to the news. I hopped out of the shower and heard a strange tone of voice emanating from the tv which immediately drew me to it...Before my eyes was the remnants of the first crash and there was no way I could accept the theory about an "accident" given the fact that it was a commercial airliner. I continued to remain in front of my television, dripping wet, and witnessed the second plane deliberately crash into the other Tower. I thought it was the end of life as we knew it and at that moment, it really was. I felt the impact just as surely as if I had been there. That may seem hard to believe for the thousands of people that really were physically present, but I hope they know our spirits were with them continuously throughout this nightmare. With shaking hands, I called my oldest son who lives in downtown Minneapolis and told him our country was under attack and to leave the downtown area immediately. I thought every commercial airliner was going to fall out of the sky that morning. I really did.
I became a total media junkie after that insane and cold blooded attack on our country and our people. I felt compelled to watch the horror and suffering; feeling that I was supposed to live it as closely as possible with everyone who was personally affected. I felt it to be an obligation and my duty to witness every heartbreaking situation that I possibly could. Would that relieve anyone's burden at all? Of course not, I knew that, but I felt that we all had to suffer, we had to share the load because it was so hideously unbearable for the ones who were there and the ones who lost their beloveds.
I have been on antidepressants for several months now, my grief and horror manifested in an ugly rash all over my arms that would not go away. I also painted the entire inside wall of my garage with our American Flag. I have purposely flown commercially since September 11th, 2001, and have made a personal vow to never be apathetic to any terroristic threat while flying or otherwise. I will go down fighting if I have to. I will not live in fear. I oppose terrorism and violence with every cell in my body, but to the terrorists of the world...we are aware and we are strong. Our country and people operate from a platform of love,terrorism is the opposite, it promotes hate and fear. Love is stronger and due to their hatred and violent actions and beliefs, they will NEVER break the spirit of the People of the United States of America.
God Bless Everyone.
Kathleen Clayton
Minneapolis, Minnesota