story2948.xml

story2948.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I, like so many others, first heard of the attacks on our nation within a few minutes after arriving at work. ATV was set up in our conference room to monitor the event thinking that perhaps this was just a small plane, off course for whatever reason, never thinking that anyone would deliberately fly a passenger plane into a building. We witnessed the second plane hitting the South Tower and were stunned. Although everyone in our division tried to go back and accomplish their assigned tasks for the day, no one was able to accomplish much. Then the news of the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania crash came through. We gathered as a division to watch the TV, each with thoughts of disbelief, wondering what possibly could happen next. Our division chief told everyone that if they did not feel comfortable staying at work (I work at a university medical school) we could leave. I distinctly remember stating, "If something else happens and it is in our area, we are going to need all the hands we can get, I'll stay". This was echoed by everyone in our division- willing to stay and help in whatever way we could. We left the TV on for the remainder of the day, people coming and going as they could to update themselves on the events. Although separated by hundreds of miles, reaching out with our thoughts and prayers to the communities affected seemed the least we could and should do. Later on, each one in the division helped as they could; blood drives, donations, etc. We have found this day has united us as a working family, helped us to reach out to the extended family of our community, and helped us become a part of a United States that will be forever changed-perhaps more united as a country than if this event had not happened. If we are truly a nation, "Under God" as we proclaim ourselves to be, may we return to God's leadership, submitting ourselves to His authority and leading our lives under His grace and mercy.