story6034.xml

story6034.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

Cornwall New York is about 50 miles north of New York City in Orange County.
I grew up here and had returned two years ago to care for my 89 year old mother.
We had been away from the area for 20 years and in that time
we were unaware of many changes that had taken place. People were now living in
Orange county and commuting to NYC, many of whom were firemen and
policemen. Thirty years ago this would have never occurred. On September 11,2001
people were taking trains, buses, and cars into the city unaware of the
horrific saga that was about to unfold.
MY husband had gotten up around 8 am to make coffee and watch
the local news on CNN. I was just getting up around the time the
first plane had hit the first tower. My husband said a plane hit
the World Trade Center. I immediately thought some nut had
flown a small engine plane near the city and had lost control.
This had happened in other locations recently and my mind did
not think about a terriorist attack. Moments later, we watched
as the second plane hit and we looked at each other and said
we have been attacked by terriorists. We watched the fire, and the
explosions never thinking the buildings would fall. Then one collapsed
and then the other. It was like watching a movie with terrific
special effects only this time it was real.
The rest of the day is a blur. We were glued to the TV set
waiting for news of the other planes and there victums. I felt
the same feeling of dread I did the day John F Kennedy was shot and
killed. Everyone was stunned and in shock. Nothing seemed oridinary.
Everything stopped and for many time just stood still. People
were too overcome with emotion to do anything.
I remember giving music lessons that afternoon, trying to go on
with my normal routine. Most of my students attended as usual,
but a few cancelled. They had friends and neighbors who were
fireman and policemen. Now they were gone or missing.
Tonight I played for a service of Rememberence and Reconciliation.
The names of the lost from the Hudson Valley were read. I could
not believe how many men and women were killed that day from
this area alone. I still cannot comprehend it all. I doubt if
I ever will. Growing up here, New York City seemed so removed
from the life I led. Now this area is New York City's backyard
and the tragedy of 9/11 is the reality of that fact.