nmah5661.xml

nmah5661.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-08

I was at home in Charlotte, NC because I had a baby three weeks earlier. My husband and I had gotten up earlier that morning because my oldest son had to get to school by 7:30. I had hoped to take at least a two hour nap, but a little after quarter of nine the baby woke up crying and wanted to be fed. I was giving the baby a bottle when I noticed that it was 9:02 and I was excited because it had been a while since I got to watch Katie and Matt on the Today show. To my horror, on the television were pictures of both towers at the World Trade Center on fire. My husband watched in confusion because no one was saying what was going on. I was kinda funny that the people from the media who always seem to have something to say had nothing to say because, well what could you say.
I kept vigil all day by the TV in the hopes that someone would be alive and that TV stayed on all night. I prayed, cried and cursed God. How was I ever going to feel safe again?

My life has somehow turned into "since 9/11". I sometimes feel that I have two lives. One before that is naive and after that is hardened. I didn't know anyone personally that died on that day, but I always read and listen to stories about anyone who lost their lives. I suffered severe despression in the year that followed. I feel for the families because if I feel this way how must they feel? As the second anniversary is upon us, I will promise to always remember and pray for those that are lost.

The firefighters. My brother is a firefighter and I have a huge respect for what they do. I remember a firefighter on the news while everything was going on who was trying to get the media to back away during the collapse of the second tower. After they were given the "all clear" to move back in, the first tower began to fall. The firefighter threw his helmut in anger and looked to the sky and began yelling, "what are you doing? You are not even giving me a chance to get in there." With all that danger, all he wanted to do was help. I was so amazed.

We couldn't find a flag to buy, so my son made a flag out of poster board, markers and star stickers. It is now in a closet because the sun was fading it. I still have a small flag sticker on the drivers side window of my car.