nmah3905.xml

nmah3905.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I did not have to work until 1pm on Tuesday, Sept 11th so I was enjoying a very relaxing morning at home in Rensselaer, NY just outside of Albany, the capital city of New York State.
I had just made myself a bowl of cereal and climbed back into bed, still in my pajamas, while turning on the radio at about 9am. I had just gotten comfortable listening to music, enjoying my breakfast and thinking about what other enjoyable thing I could do this beautiful, sunny morning. Should I take a bath? Read a book on my porch? I was also thinking of my boyfriend, Tony, (now fiance) who was closing on his house this morning at 9am. I was clearly wrapped up in my own little world of happiness and security.
Then, the radio dj informed the listeners that there was a fire inside of the World Trade Center. There was some kind of explosion and she encouraged listeners to turn on the television. I could tell by the shakiness of her voice that I should turn on the tv. So, I went into my living room and saw billowing smoke coming from the Tower.
I kept changing stations trying to get information about what happened. There was talk of a bomb, there was a rumor that an airplane had hit the building. I could not take my eyes off of the scenes on tv. As pieces of the building broke away, I kept thinking - wait - there must be people inside - they need to evacuate - what is happening? How will they get the people out? How long has this fire been burning? Did they close the building before the workers got there? Are there people inside? How will they get out? I was in shock when the second plane hit the second tower. How could it fall down like that? Now there would be only half of a tower standing. I never even thought the other one would come down too.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing - clearly this was terrorism. We were being attacked. Was the capital city of New York also going to be attacked?
When I saw a person jump from one of the burning towers, I covered my mouth and I screamed. I was in emotional agony watching this happen. I felt so helpless. Americans were dying. I didn't know what to do. How could I help? People needed help. What else was going to happen? Were there other targets? I called Tony and found that he did indeed close on the house. I tried to be happy for him - I didn't even know if he had heard the news. He said, yes, he did. I congratulated him on the closing but my mind was on the tragedy. I wish I was near him so I could give him a hug. I needed a hug. He wanted info on what was happening. I told him about the plane crash in PA but they thought it was unrelated. We were very concerned about the Pentagon - Tony's brother worked in Washington, D.C. How close was his building to the Pentagon - we didn't know. Tony finally heard from his brother - he was okay.
Time was flying by and I called work. Major tourist spots were closing down and evacuating - Disneyworld, sports arenas were cancelling games, etc. Albany Medical Center was asking patients with routine and outpatient surgery to reschedule. They were getting their surgeons ready to take victims from the NYC area.
Tony's workplace was sending everyone home. I had to go into work at a retail furniture store. I got ready and went to work, listening to NPR and then watched tv all day at work with my co-workers. There was a rescue effort in place - everyone kept waiting for them to find survivors. Everyone was prepared - ambulances, emergency personnel - just waiting for patients. My friend was on route to NYC to help as he was called from the National Guard. I knew they would find someone. Days went by not giving up hope. I watched reports on the NYC news channel with the governor and mayor every night - they would report how many body parts and how many bodies they would find. Then, they stopped announcing how many body parts. There was a big need for welders, ice, containers for ice (for the body parts) and water. They stopped asking citizens to stop donating blood for the time being and stop donating items - they had enough. It was the saddest event I had ever witnessed. The faces of grief, of disillusion. Flags were flying everywhere. Flags were sold out - flag makers couldn't keep up with the manufacturing of them.
Work was difficult as no one was shopping, no sales. Many of my customers were affected either personally or financially so they put off their intent to make a purchase. It hurt me hard as I am on commission sales. The top months are Sept, Oct and Nov. No one could think about buying furniture and I don't blame them. By December, I had to take a part time job to make ends meet so I could buy a few Christmas presents and visit my family.
Today, September 11, 2002, I have the day off. I went shopping for items for my upcoming wedding this November 2nd. I felt I had to show my support of the American economy.

Yes. I appreciate the fact that I have customers now. In the past, I took for granted that people would always walk in the door and want to buy something. Oh, and I am engaged to be married soon.

Never get wrapped up in your own little world of happiness and security. The American people are guilty of taking our freedom for granted.

I wore a flag pin and sometimes a red, white and blue ribbon. I will buy a nice flag soon.