story10515.xml

story10515.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2004-03-31

I had started a new job at the university in July. I didn't start work until 9 am, but it took me a 1/2 hour to get to work every day. I always listened to the Today show on the radio as one station played NBC. I was very close to work when the announcment of the first plane hitting the tower was made. At that time it was assumed that it was a small commuter plane. As I was driving into the parking lot at work the Today show was interviewing a woman and she said "Oh my God, another plane just hit!" I got out of my car and saw some co-workers. When I told them that the Twin Towers were hit, they basically accused me of fibbing. I went into the building and apparently I was white because when I asked to see a TV the people were "What is the matter!?!?" I just told them to turn on the TV.
My thoughts were with my husband and family during the minutes and hours that passed. I just got done saying to someone "Thank god we live in East-Gods-Country Pennsylvania" when the news came about the plane crash in Somerset. This plane crashed not more than 2 miles from where my husband works. Once I knew he was ok, I tryed to reach my family. My parents, brother and sister-in-law were suppose to fly to NYC from Boston that day to go to see the Producers. I thought their plane was in the morning, Thank God it was later. Needless to say, they never went.
Both my children were in Elementary School. I went back and forth on whether I should pick them up or not. I finally decided to leave them in familiar surroundings and safety, but when I did pick them up, there was only 1 or 2 other kids in each of their classes as parents had come to get their children. I thank the professionals at the school everyday for their compassinate handling of this day with mine and other children as they remained innocent of the true extent of the tragedy until their parents could break it to them. I would not let my children see the TV, but once they were asleep, I could not turn off the news.

Daily little things remind me of September 11th, working at the computer and thinking of the individuals who went to work and didn't come home. My thoughts and prayers are always with them and all the families affected both on September 11th and with all the happenings since then.
Thank God for all the heros, both known and unknown then and now.
Pray for all the children who will be living in a world that never has the innocence it did before September 11th.