nmah145.xml

nmah145.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-08-16

I am a 28 year old woman living in Houston, Texas on September 11, 2001. However, my younger sister, Susan Barnes, lives in New York City, and my parents, Dean and Barbara, went to visit her the weekend of September 8. We flew out of La Guardia on the evening of September 10 after being delayed for several hours. We got back into Houston very late that night, so I decided to work at home the next day. I woke up the next morning to a phone call from my grandmother, who told me a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I told ther that she had to mistaken and turned on the television. I ketp saying that I am sure that it must be a small Piper type plane. As we talked, I watched the second plane approach and hit the second tower live on TV. It was at this point that I thought something was terribly wrong. I felt anguish and physical sickness for those who were in the buildings and their families. MY sister and her boyfriend do not work in that area, so I knew that they were not immediately impacted. I called Susan at her office on Fifth Avenue, and she had already left. Her office had been evacuated and she and her co-workers watched the rest of the days' events unfold on the CBS This Morning Set which is on the ground floor of their building. People began calling us right and left, making sure my sister was okay. I told them that she was okay, and pray for the others who were not as fortunate. I held it together until I spoke to my mom, and we cried in fear for what may unfold in the next few hours. I was talking to my fiance when the towers fell, and assumed that now 25,000 to 30,000 people must be dead. It was the most physically exhausting day ever - especially because I spent it in bed watching television.

My life has changed a great deal, but not in comparison to those who lost loved ones in the tragedies in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. I have a renewed sense of patriotism and love for my country. Being a member of Generation X, this is such a huge defining moment for us, which will tell our children about someday. I treasure my family and friends more and try to live each day to the fullest.

I think we should remember all of the everyday heroes that played a pivot role in the WTC towers, on the planes and in ways that we will never know about. It should stand as an example of our strength to overcome adversity and to continue to strive to live the free lives that others seem to hate around the world.

Yes. I have a sticker on the back of my car, with an American flag that says "September 11, 2001 == We Will Remember" It is short and simple, but this is what we need to do -- remember that life is precious and short.