nmah4534.xml

nmah4534.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

Sept 11, 2002--My Story--this is the e-mail I sent to all my friends in California on the morning of 9/11/01, and some of the replies I received. I had lived in San Francisco for 18 years and have been in Washington DC now for 3.

Subject: Lockdown
Well, here I am isolated in my apt and freaking out, the TV on in the background. I guess I feel lonely and therefore reaching out across the country. In CA the damage had already been done when most of you woke up today. It's panic and crises here in Washington DC, as well as NYC--and no one really knows what's going on yet in regard to the terrorist attacks of this morning--what is particularly chilling is that there were more planes hijacked this morning and who knows where they might be. It was even one of our own planes from Dulles also hijacked. I am in shock.

Here in the Capital, for me it was a normal day getting to work on time, and as we gathered for the morning meeting, found out the World Trade Center had been crashed in to by a hijacked plane--and a second followed as we turned on the TV. As we watched in fear and horror the Pentagon was also hit and all of DC began emergency evacuations--including us, closed down by our principal watching it all on TV from home. Imagine, my office only a block from the White House, peril did seem quite possible. By now all of DC has been evacuated and locked down--everything closed and people racing through the streets in panic, sirens going everywhere. Phone lines are also clogged and I was watching the TV when the Trade Towers collapsed--it's a nauseating chill gone down my spine. Apparently one of the hijacked planes was on a Newark-San Francisco itinerary, my very own route. I was planning to go to the top of the World Trade Center on my NYC trip next month. I feel incredibly sad...also feeling very much like SF when the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake hit, only this is something else entirely.

No planes anywhere for anyone, they say. Is war eminent? What retaliations? Here in DC they are on top alert and all the important dignitaries hidden in their secret bunkers. I am sure everyone is glued to the news waves, but I am just here wondering and watching. feeling very alone.
God speed xoxo nora

Responses (all from California):
Sounds silly, but I sure am glad to hear from you. It's that sort of thing, folks worry and call everyone they know in CA when there's an earthquake in Hollister. I've thought of you, Pattie and Meryl all morning. What total wierdness. I'm not sure what to think. Steve had planned a trip into SF this morning, but cancelled. It just didn't seem right. Then we heard on the news that SF is a mess. Schools closed, federal buildings closed, city hall closed, BART and the bridges on high alert. The news said that it's a traffic nightmare. Keep me posted.--Wes

You just take good care of yourself, kid. SFO is closed and Cal State Bldgs like mine are closed, too. Be careful out there.--Love, Wally

Hey Stranger,
I thought about you as soon as I heard about the Pentagon this morning. I imagine things will be pretty crazy out there for quite a while now. Everybody here at work is huddled around the TV this morning trying to absorb the whole thing, doesn't seem like it can be real somehow. I'd thought we were all too jaded to be bothered by terrorist stuff anymore, but this is so big it hit everybody like a punch in the gut. The first I heard about it was on the train coming out to work this morning. I usually have a car pretty much to myself but it was packed this morning with people going home after they closed half the office buildings in the city this morning and the ones pouring out of Oakland airport. The whole trip was spooky. People would be all jabbering at each other and then the whole car would get quiet for a couple miles while everybody tried to take it in, it was like being on a funeral train. I hate to think what it would be like being trapped in Manhattan today. Well, I gotta go to work (four hours since I got here, I should get something done today). Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. Glad you're OK. Hang in there.--Doug

My thoughts went out to you in DC this morning. First time I checked email is now. Am in state of shock will write more later. THIS IS JUST ABOUT AS BAD AS IT GETS, I guess.--Lynda Beth

I am so glad that you are safe. I spoke with Gail today and she had to walk across the bridge to Rosslyn to get a metro back home. All are safe. Was about to dial your Mom, but wanted to check email first. What a tragedy and worse could come if we retaliate and they retaliate, etc....when will it end? --Love, Carol

Nora: Good Morning! I just got back from vacation. I was worried about you while I was away. Tuesday was a scary day for me as well, wondering if I'll have a home to come back to and what not. I should write Mr. Bush and let him know that I stand behind any decision that he makes in retaliation to the attack. Anyway, I hope that this letter finds you well, and keep the news flowing!--David

yes. I was laid off from my job in the spring, and am now at a loss for higher purpose and function. I am filled with uncertainties, not only about life and our future but what is the right way to live. Corporate America is no longer a goal--having material wealth seems meaningless.

That we are as vulnerable as all other people on this earth. That humanity and kindness are in our hearts. That peace among all men must be the goal.

No--I have a very small studio apartment