nmah5704.xml

nmah5704.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-10

"Honey, wake up. A plane just flew into the World Trade Center and we're going to war!" These words booming from my husband with urgency and disbelief. I was certain I was having a bad dream. I had just relaxed and closed my eyes after working a 12-hour night shift at the emergency room. I laid there as the television volume went steadily up in the living room. Confirmation. And to my horror, another plane was heading into the other tower. I was shaking and my heart was racing as I stumbled out of bed. I was scared. Of what would be revealed to me as the days went on. What did my husband mean "war"? This didn't make sense to me. Terrorism? Sure I've heard of it maybe a couple times. Osama Bin Laden? Never. My heart was broken into a million pieces. I cried a million plus tears. I watched the horror unfold on my television (from Texas) wishing I could do something to make it all better. I found myself afraid....not just for the victims, their families, and the rest of the world, but also for my baby. She would be one year old in just 15 days. I wondered what kind of world I was bringing this beautiful, innocent child into. I couldn't move from my spot in front of the television for the longest time. Dealing with this tragedy was especially hard for me.

My life has changed immensely. I truly can grasp the true feeling of sadness and helplessness. I have never known it like I do now. In that respect, I also have a stronger appreciation of life and the moments of happiness in my life. I initially had nightmares of being the target of Osama and couldn't sleep for weeks. I cried a lot. I hugged my loved ones a lot....I wrote letters to relatives more. I started having a deeper respect for human life, human dignity, and the idea of treating your neighbor like you would want to be treated. I started loving others more and I became more patient and tolerable of things I normally would not be. Of course this all didn't come about the day of the tragic events, but September 11, 2001 marked the first day of the journey to a more spiritual me and a more loving me.

The way Americans came together. The way we cried together and helped lift each other up. The way our brothers and sisters died....and the way their lives blessed the people around them. The way our brothers and sisters risked and lost their lives to ensure others had a chance at theirs. The love and the courage shown by the people at Ground Zero. They will never be forgotten.

My feelings toward the flag and being an American has changed. I feel more proud of the country I live in and I have a better understanding of what a privilege it is to live in this great country. I respect the flag and our leaders more. I am proud....we are strong....America will prosper.