nmah5326.xml

nmah5326.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-12-08

On September 10th, my husband and I got engaged. Little did I know that our trip to Manhattan that same morning would be something to solidify our relationship. As we drove into the Lincoln tunnel on the evening of September 10th, we were fortunate enough to see the WTC in all of its glory; two huge copper pillars reflecting the setting sun's rays from the west. It was so beautiful, and no matter what had happened the next day, I would have always remembered that amazing vision. Ironically, that evening, my then fiance mentioned that NYC would be a prime target for a terrorist attack, especially on days like New Year's Eve or during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I thought he was being paranoid... Well, the next day, I was scheduled to go on an interview for admissions into Veterinary School. On the train ride down to 34th street, the subway stopped twice, once for a "problem" that was left unexplained...the next time for an "explosion up ahead". I looked at my husband and said "Eh, probably happens all the time in New York." Well, we got out at Penn Station, and during our 12 block walk, we were both quite innerved by the number of people staring at the sky and pointing, and at the number of police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances zooming past us on the streets. My husband and I separated when I got the interview because he wanted to go see Wall Street, the Twin Towers, and possibly the Statue of Liberty. I told him to be careful, but by the time I got to the interview, the first plane had already hit. We of course did not know what was happening until I actually walked into the office that my interview was in, and he didn't catch on until about 10 blocks away, he gathered with a crowd around a car with its radio on. He promptly went back to the building he left me in. Well, I had my interview, because I couldn't think of a time when I would be able to return to NYC. When we reunited, we ended up walking about 100 blocks back up to the Bronx were our car was. All along the way, I was so greatful to have him with me, knowing full well there was a good possibility it could be the last day we had on earth.

I have become much more aware of the happenings around me. My husband is very wary of any odd or strange situations, and I have to say that I have a greater respect for his suspicious nature, especially after the comment he made on September 10th. I hate the fact that I do this, but I have been suspicious of Middle Eastern people. I think it is just because I am scared to death of something like this happening again. I know that the vast majority of people are not capable of doing such terrible things, but it only takes a handful to wreak havoc, as we saw on 9/11.

I think that I will remember most the way that NYC's population was so incredibly helpful and friendly. They really pulled together to make sure that it wasn't any harder than it was going to be. I have been to the city before, and I have always heard that they are so rude, etc...you know the stereotype, they keep to themselves, never helpful, would watch a person getting mugged and not do anything. I have to say, NYC and its people have proven to be absolutely gracious and genuinely good hearted during a real time of heartache. I love NYC, and why shouldn't I? It represents the best that the USA, the best country in the world, has to offer. And nobody will every be able to hold NYC or its spirit down, ever!

I am not in a situation where I can fly an American Flag, but I do have one on my car, proudly displayed.