story6694.xml

story6694.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

I remember so vividly Sept. 11. Only 2 days prior I had reached my 41st birthday. I was already in a reflective mood that morning and as I sat down to breakfast I watched in horror as the images crossed my television of the 1st tower on fire. I really wanted to believe I was dreaming or watching a movie, but it was all too real. As I watched in horror as the second plane flew into the other tower all I could do was cry. I called my husband at his work (he is ex-navy) and told him to get to a tv or radio. I then called my boss at work and told her what was happening. I started giving her play by play details of what was happening and she at first thought i was joking around but when she really listened and her the fear in my voice she knew it was true. My mother was in Texas recovering from a heart attack and I was alone in my apartment and I never felt such fear. My husband came home that afternoon and we watched the replay of that attack and we listened to different reporters telling their version of what was happening and watching the people running for safety. It was so heart rendering, especially a story they were telling about a woman and her kids looking for their dad. They were crying and I could actually feel their pain and I just wanted to do something for them. I wanted to take away all their pain. I suddenly became very aware of where I was and how very lucky I was that I was with my husband and we were safe. But at the same time I felt guilty. All those people that didn't survive and their families....what would they do? How would they go on? That family that was hoping and praying they would find their dad...he survived. Watching them holding on to one another was a most precious moment. As this Sept. 11 neared I wanted to celebrate...to celebrate life, celebrate our family and friends and to celebrate our freedom. I refuse to be afraid and to hide away like a mouse. I will express myself and shout..because I am free to do that. And that is what that terrorist attack was all about....to take away our freedom to make us afraid and weak! But are we afraid and weak? NOOO. We joined together, as one country, one voice! We stopped showing our fears and started living and showing pride in our country. And we shall continue to be ONE! We shall not beaten! We shall rise and defeat the cowards who tried to destroy us! WE STAND UNITED! We are free!