nmah1277.xml

nmah1277.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-06

I was flying from YYZ-SFO when the captain called me into the cockpit. He received a fax stating that 2 planes flew into the WTC. We assumed that the planes were Cessnas since the fax did not state that the planes were airliners. The fax kept printing out information.

Next, the next fax stated that a United plane was missing. My heart sunk. A few minutes after leaving the cockpit, I received a call from the captain explaining that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon. We would be landing the plane immediately as the nation was under a state of alert. I informed my crew while the captain announced that although our plane was fine, the company had wanted us to land. He gave no reason, other than that.

Upon landing, the captain told everyone that they could turn on their cell phones while we were on the tarmac. People were telling other passengers what had occurred. I will never forget a man in First Class who turned pale. He said, "my son works in the WTC."

I first called my mom, my dad, my brother, then my boyfriend. I told them that I was okay and had landed in Omaha, Nebraska. I quick turned off my phone and opened the door as I was the Purser that day.

The agent told the people to leave the plane as quickly as possible. "Leave your luggage and get out!" she said. She explained that there had been a bomb threat to the airport. After the commands, everyone had left the plane; we gathered our things and went to the ramp break room to receive further instructions. Other pilots and F/A's had their eyes glued to the screen crying. It was as if we were watching a movie. I couldn't believe what I had seen. It didn't seem real. It was just T.V., right? Black smoke and planes crashing into the Twin Towers. It was horrifying.

Did I know anyone on board? My heart sunk. I rushed to the computers, and tried to pull up flights #93 and #175. "Records Secured" appeared on the screen. I typed in friends names as fast as I could. I typed in Welsh, D and once again "Records Secured" appeared. I was sure there were problems with the system.

A controller told everyone to get to an ATM machine and get out as much money as possible. "If we are at a time of war, the banks will be closed" he said.

As we walked into the concourse, mayhem ensued. People were running in every direction. The lines at the car rental counters stretched outside. Flight Attendants were quitting on the spot.

I overheard one group of Flight Attendants rent a minivan. They planned to drive home, first to Denver to drop half off then the others would proceed to Seattle. Despite this, my crew stayed together. Believe it or not, we wondered "how will the people fly home once this is all over?" We were the minimum crew, after all.

As we walked outside, hotel vans were picking up anyone, just to get them out of the airport. Vans were overflowing with people. We stood outside for an hour until we hailed a cab to take us to the hotel, which was 45 minutes away.

After check-in, we were glued to our TV. No names were listed at this point. I received calls left and right on my cell phone. My first call was from my friend in El Salvador. He said he was trying like crazy to call for hours, but the phone lines were down. A few hours later I got a hold of my friend in Washington D.C.

The crew met for dinner, but didn't feel like drinking or partying. I didn't sleep that night. I had to keep the lights on that night and for many months afterward.

A pilot friend called me to give me the names of the crews. I felt better that I did not know any listed. Unfortunately, they were incorrect. A few days later, I received a call at 5 AM. The captain wanted us to be downstairs in 30 minutes. We were finally cleared to leave!!

Our plane did not take off until 9 hours later. So much red tape, so many procedures, documents, etc. It was then that I overheard a phone call. My flying partner recited the names of the crew. Debbie! My friend Debbie! The tall blonde who always wears her hat?! I ran to a payphone and called her sister, who is my neighbor. She sounded very tired and explained that she had tried to contact me. "Tell me it isn't true!" I said. It was. Debbie Welsh was the purser on Flight# 93. I yelled "NO!!!!!!!!"

I really didn't want to get onto an airplane at that point. I was personally affected now. I was numb. My legs were numb. I had such a headache. I had no choice. We had to fly. There were no other flight attendants who could take my place.

When we finally touched down at the SFO airport, a passenger told me to look out the window.

As we pulled into the gate, there were HUNDREDS of mechanics and ramp workers waving American flags, holding signs, and clapping. The signs read "God Bless America," and "Welcome Home." As I opened the forward boarding door, there were people in business suits with roses, flags and bottles of water. They hugged us and welcomed us home. As we stepped into the terminal there were HUNDREDS more agents and airline workers with American flags and signs. They were clapping and crying.

It seems that our plane was the first flight to successfully land in SFO after September 11th.

My life has changed since September 11th. Not only have I lost friends and coworkers, but I do not trust any passenger that boards my plane. Several suspicious things have occurred since then, all attributed to terrorism.

Now, I am afraid to come to work. I am stressed out, and anxious. I take my job more seriously and wish passengers would do the same. My job isn't fun anymore. I am not afraid to fly, but I am afraid of the people.

I profile Middle Eastern looking people. I never did before September 11th. I do not understand how Muslims could do such a thing. They were educated men.
I have so many questions. Will things ever get back to normal? Will the terrorism ever stop? I still don't understand WHY?

On a more positive note, I do appreciate life more. I thank God for giving me each day. I pray more. I try to experience all that I can. It is true, Life is short.

Herosim. All people who died were heroes.

Patriotism. Rescue workers, police, fireman, volunteers, and ordinary people pulled together to help in a time of need.

I placed an American flag on my car.

Every time I look at an American flag, my heart sinks. I feel anxious and sad. I know many people lost their lives for that flag. I also think of war. I wonder if our lives will ever be the same...again.