nmah5275.xml

nmah5275.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-11-08

I was at work (at MIT)just heading to a staff meeting, and was sending off a Birthday message to a friend (we share the birthday of 9/11). I hit send and went to my meeting, it was at that time that we heard of the acts which had occurred. We sat in the meeting, but I don't think many of us were able to concentrate after hearing the news. After the meeting I had several voice mail messages from my husband and some of my co-workers had relatives or friends that had left on the same flight the as the plane that hit the world trade center but luckily had gone the day before. I remember feeling numb and in disbelief that the events had occurred.

My life has changed in many ways, I feel as if I should not be celebrating my birthday, but should be mourning for those who lost their lives as well as praying for the loved ones that are dealing with the tragic way they lost people. I know life does go on, and I try to make sure that the last words I say to my family are I LOVE YOU. I try not to go to sleep at night without resolving issues as I don't want my last thoughts or words to be said or thought in anger. It really has taught me that I need to cherish each and every day. I try not to sweat the small stuff even to the point, I will let cleaning or dishes go just to spend extra time with my husband and son...the dust and dishes will still be there tomorrow, they may not be.

I think the things we need to remember most about September 11th is that many people gave their lives for their country, not even knowing they were going to do so and for some knowing they were. I also think we need to remember that the whole musilum race is not to blame. My son (who was in the third grade)got a new student a week after Sept. 11th from Pakistan and his name was Osama...many people said he should change his name..we need to stop thinking like this..this is a common name in the Muslium countries and others should not be judged or blamed for a name or any other reason..This is a time we all need to remain as one..as the new Bon Jovi song says "where we were once divided, now we stand united we stand as one Undivided"...

I fly the American Flag all the time..I have one on my car and I have always valued our flag as something that was very inspirational...after Sept 11th it just made me stop and not take it as for granted as I used too. I am proud to be an American and am proud to stand as a unity for one...I also think we do need to remember that we are "One Nation Under God"...and not take that for granted either..in the end we will not be the ones to judge, but will each be judged ourselves...