nmah4002.xml

nmah4002.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I woke up that morning and went to work just like any other day. I work at the World Trade Center in Minnesota. I didn't have my radio that morning, and so I remember walking into the building and seeing so many people standing around watching a tv in the lobby with looks on thier face like they'd just seen the devil (little did I know how true that would be).
When I went up to my office, everyone was standing around a TV inside our conference room with that same look. I started watching in shock. I couldn't believe what was happening. Then my phone started ringing and it was family members telling me to get out of my building and go home. The concern in thier voices made me listen.
I remember the drive home, listening in disbelief, and just counting the minutes until I had my daughter in my arms, because until then, I felt an emptiness. I can only imagine the emptiness so many others felt that day. Luckily for me, I was able to hold my daughter, I pray for those who couldnt.
My TV stayed on for a week straight I think. Watching everything, listening, and praying.
My 3 year old daughter could only understand that so many people go hurt that day, I couldnt answer all of her questions, but together we lit a candle and left it burn in our window. Thats something she will remember.

I now belong to the Disaster Assistance Teams for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. I assist Fireman and Police at small disaster sites around Minnesota. I felt like it wasnt enough to tell my daughter that she needs to stand proud with her country, I needed to show her how.

I think we should remember that our nation was tested on September 11th, and we proved that even in a tragedy of that magnitude, we will still come together as "one".
It reminded me of why I am so proud to be an American.

My father is a Veteran, so the American Flag has always had special meaning to me. We were taught at an early age how to respect the flag and the propers of dealing with flags (never touching the ground, never wearing a flag on your body, etc)