nmah4279.xml

nmah4279.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I had just returned from dropping my son off at preschool when I enter my home, my husband was still sleeping and my sister-in-law, who was staying with us said, "Renee, come here, someone just blew up the WTC." In disbelief I watched to horrific coverage for moments and then raced up stairs to inform my husband. As a soldier, he leaped out of bed and to his office, where the upcoming weeks led to little time with his family (a small sacrafice since many had lost their famlies). Michael, my husband, the NCO in charge of building security spent much time at the center, days and nights. I was able to assist by intially bringing meals to the soldiers manning the building and eventually Michael and I coordinated catered meals donated by the local market, Wegmans Grovery Store. I picked my son up from school with tears in my eyes. How could I ever explain this to a three year old. In addition here I was pregnant and due in just a couple months. What kind of world would I be bringing my child into? I was convinced we were at the beginning of WWIII. My next thoughts were to friends and family. My best friends brother had recently moved to NYC and taken a job with Morgan Stanley. I didn't know if he was alright and I was unable to reach my friend. I later learned he was fine. I remember the Chaplain from the Army coming to my door a few days after 9.11 and just breaking down crying with him. I felt such guilt that my husband wasn't home, and I wanted him to be, but I knew he would come home when he could. He was still alive-just working like so many other soldiers. Perhaps the hardest thing for me to deal with was the impact it had on my son. At 3 yrs my son would cry in his playroom unable to understand why he couldn't have luch with daddy at his office. Or why daddy wasn't home at bed time or in the morning when he woke up, just like always. The Chaplain was instrumental in meeting my needs by organizing a night where soldiers and family members could talk about such issues and providing info on how to help our children cope.
Soon I after I ran into compliciations with my pregnancy and spent some time in the hospital and the remainder of my pregnancy on bed rest. Perhaps my fear for my unborn child and the complications I had with my pregnancy help me to push back the feelings I had about 9.11. The impact of 9.11 hit me hard today, the first anniversary of the day the World changed. We have always been a peace loving and religious family but we emphasize goodness perhaps more now and the importance of brotherhood and kindness. My husband almost transferred to a position at the Pentagon only a few months earlier. I am grateful that he did not and thankful, ever so thankful that my family is safe. I can help but cry at the thought of the courageous single parents left to raise their children and the mothers who bore children without their spouses. I can not hear about that tragic day without tears and anger and love. I hope someday the world will live in peace and I hope and pray that my family and my children will contribute in establishing a universal love for all mankind, regardless of country, race, religion, sex or any other difference. God Bless America and Peace to all...

Renee Marie Snell

I think that 9.11 should never be forgotten and that what we should always remeber is how we came together as a nation, "one nation under God", regardless of differences, we came together as Americans. We came together as a world united in the war on terrorism. WE CAME TOGETHER... Everyday we witness division, rich and poor, democrat and republican, black or white, american or other. BUt on 9.11 we were one nation, one world, disgusted and horrifed and the acts witnessed.

We have always flown our American flag but family members who did not own one were quick to show there love of theri country and display their flags, and do to this day.
My feeling about the flag have grown stronger and I hope that my children grow up with a love and respect for the flag.