nmah5639.xml

nmah5639.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-05

I remember the day vividly. I was living in Ohio at the time. Ohio always seemed to be worlds away from New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania but that day all four states ran together in my mind. My daughter had only started kindergarten a few short weeks ago and we were settling into our routine nicely. I was getting her ready for school (it was picture day). She was all dressed in a blue velvet dress and we were beginning to do her hair when the phone rang. A friend and neighbor called me. She asked me if I was watching tv. I told her I was too busy trying to get Vicki ready for school. She told me that a plane crashed in to the twin towers. I thought it was tragic but I told her that something must have gone wrong with the plane or the pilot. I didn't realize how wrong I was until she screamed over the phone here comes another one it hit the other tower. I was startled. I turned on the tv. It was all over the tv. I woke my husband up (he works thrirds) and told him. He got up and came downstairs with me. We watched in amazement and disbelief. I remember the utter fear as I put my daughter on the bus. So afraid that each day might really be the last.

Yes! I realized that day that we need to start living for today. Putting my daughter on the bus that afternoon thoughts raced through my mind of all the things I want to do with my family. We now value each day and each other. You never know when it will all end.

The lives that were lost should always be remembered as well as the lives that are still being lost in the battles we fight because of 9/11. We should also remember how quickly our lives can change or end. Live each day accordingly.

I have always cherished our flag and the events of that fateful day have enhanced my feelings.