nmah3022.xml

nmah3022.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

It was about 5:50am when my mother hysterically flung open my bedroom door and said, "Get up! Get up! A plane has crashed into the Twin Towers!" At the moment, that really meant nothing to me because my mind was still asleep, but the realization hit when I got up and went to the living room to see the horrific footage on the news. I remember sitting on the couch with my mom and dad, listening to my mother's sobs mingled in with the reporter's voice. The feeling of a sort of emptiness and despair, and also utter amazement, I can still feel today. Everything about that morning is imprinted on my mind, and I expect it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

In all actuality, my daily routines have not changed dramatically. Yet, I find myself closer with my family, my distant family especially. I used to call my grandparents, who live in Illinois, maybe once every 2 weeks. Now, I call about 3 times a week. I feel a stronger connection with them and my other family that I would have never deemed possible. I also feel a stronger connection with God, though on that frightful day I may have questioned his ways.

The people who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, on the aircrafts, and on the ground fighting to save others should be remembered. It was them that this incident affected directly, although many may feel that even though they were not there, it feels as if they were. I know I am one of them.

Our family does not have an American flag, but that is not out of disrespect. My parents feel that you do not show national love and pride by buying items because that is being materialistic. Although I may not agree with them, I honor their decision because I see that they are true Americans and do indeed love this nation.