nmah6729.xml

nmah6729.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-09-11

I had just awakened that September morning, washed, gotten dressed for work, and went downstairs. I turned on the TV, like I do every morning (it helps to wake me up). How I wish now I hadn't turned it on, but that wouldn't have changed anything, would it?

Suddenly, the breaking news that a plane had run into one of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City (I live in Burleson, TX). My heart just clutched. They got the live feed, and there it was...smoke just pouring from the North Tower. They were saying a "small plane." Then here came the second one and I was horrified to see it deliberately angle in and strike the South Tower. That's when I knew we were under attack. No way two airplanes could strike one target.

I had to go to work, so I didn't see the news for the rest of the day, but our boss kept us informed. When he told us that the Towers had collapsed, I cynically replied, "110-storey buildings just don't fall." How I wish I'd been right.

Yes. When I got home from work, my twin sister was crying and terrified. She would not turn on the TV. We decided the best thing for us would be to attend church--any church. We walked to a local church here, they had a memorial service and prayer; my twin was delivered of a Spirit of fear. We walked home and she went to bed, where, thankfully, she slept like a baby.

Not me. I sat up and watched the news. The replayed images over and over and over and over again. I started crying. And I wrote the first of my poems.

Of all the lives that were taken that horrible day, one life was saved: MINE. I was given a Gift, you see. I write. I write, and haven't stopped. As of today, September 11, 2004, I've written over 975 poems.

The Twin Towers footprints should be left alone, it's sacred ground.

I would like to see our firefighters, EMS and police personnel receive special honor and tribute as a small token of appreciation for the heroism they show. Maybe a special award created to honor the best of the best.

I would like to see our men and women in uniform receive special honor as well. They are heroes, as well. We are not free without their service; our country owes them a debt of gratitude we can never repay.

Yes. I am a veteran, USAF, 1983-85, so American pride has always been strong in me. Now, my heart beats red, white and blue. :) Many died for that flag, I served for that flag, and no one is going to tell me I cannot fly my flag.