story5301.xml

story5301.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

Just before I was to leave that morning, a co-worker approached and asked what I thought about what was happening in New York. "What do you mean?" I asked. He said he had heard that an airplane had hit the World Trade Center. It was still early in the morning, so the full scope of the disaster had yet to reach us. "An airplane, huh?" I said. "That's terrible, but it has no bearing on my life at all." All through that day I listened to radio reports from NYC and felt like a selfish fool for my earlier comment to my co-worker. In truth, The events of 1 year ago have had a deep effect on me and I'm sure on all Americans. Americans. That word has a new meaning to me. It's more than just a way to say where you're from. It means pride, solidarity, brotherhood and the ability to rise to whatever challenges are thrown in our path. I am a much better person since last year because I've realized that everything you have can be lost in an instant. Enjoy it while you have it. God Bless America