nmah4287.xml

nmah4287.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was at work in my small office when a co-worker's husband called me and said he had heard on the radio that two planes crashed into the WTC and he wanted me to find out if it was real. I ran into our CEO's office and turned on the TV and immediately saw the footage. I stood in shock and screamed out for my co-workers. At that moment the Pentagon was hit and all I could think or feel was "what is going on here?, what is happening?". I was in shock until the plane crashed in Pennsylvania, then I became terrified. I was truly scared, the most scared I have ever been. When the towers collasped so did my heart and my stomach, I was in pain. I couldn't stop sobbing. I went to pick up my son from his half day of school and when I stepped outside the air felt different to me, just from knowing what terror was happening. I have never shed so many tears in all my life. I have never held my son so tight. For the first time in my life, I new what fear felt like and what it is like to feel completely vulnerable. Twenty-four hours later I found out that all my friends and family exposed to danger were all accounted for. However, some friends of mine were unable to say the same and I mourned so deeply for everyone effected. Even people I didn't know.

I am more emotional now. I cried watching the Olympics during the opening ceremonies and every time an American won the Gold. I cried at the 4th of July celebration, which meant so much for me to be there. I am writing all of this on the one-year anniversary, hoping for some closure. I still can't talk about it, but I am also appreciative over everything in my life. Still can't listen to certain songs either, I am sure time will heal. I am just extremely proud and extrmemely sad.

Of course, all of the lost lives need to be remembered, but also how the nation pulled together. My American Pride truly expanded watching how much we all pulled together. For just a few days, and maybe even longer, there was no poor or rich, no black or white. There was no hatred from one American to another. We all mourned together. The following week, I flew back home to NH and realized all this Patriotism is in the South, North, cities and countries. It was everywhere.

I still do. I fly a flag at my home. I made ribbons for everyone in the office that co-workers wore for about a week. I did not decorate my car with the American Flag, but I sure feel proud to see it flying in front of my home. It is a symbolism of my freedom and my faith.