story1397.xml
Title
story1397.xml
Source
born-digital
Media Type
story
Date Entered
2002-08-22
911DA Story: Story
I am a Special Education teacher with the New York City Board of Education. At about 8:45 on September 11th, an assistant ran into the classroom to say that a plane had flown into the World Trade. I thought that it was a small plane. I turned to 1010 WINS radio and heard the account. It was difficult to teach and not wonder what was going on in the city.
As my cell phone was not working, I went to the school office at prep time to make calls. While I was there, parents either called or came to pick up their children. I called my aunt-in-law's house, (she works in the WTC area), and was told by her mother that she had not gone to work because of a doctor's appointment. I also called a cousin who works in Midtown Manhattan, and he said that he was fine and making his way home.
At the end of the day, a school bus driver told me that listening to the details on the radio doesn't compare to viewing them. Yet, I was in no hurry to go home. So when my principal asked for staff to remain just incase students had no one to get them, I was among many who volunteered. The PTA provided us with Uncle Bens rice bowls. Fortunately every child was picked up, and none of the ones who walked home returned.
When I made it home I turned on the television and was saddened,pained, and yet comforted that despite all the chaos, God provided wisdom to our leaders. In particular, Mayor Guiliani who was a calming force. Later that night I heard planes flying overhead. I live in Long Island about 15 minutes away from JFK airport. One of the news anchors reported that calls had been received regarding the planes, and that the aircrafts were transporting medical personnel.
I went to church the following Wednesday night and heard from some who had been in the city. Their accounts were nothing short of harrowing. I just couldn't imagine experiencing what they had encountered.
As the first anniversary approaches, my prayer is that families and loved ones will have peace. I imagine that many may not have closure, but I hope that peace will take effect in their hearts and lives....the peace that transcends all understanding.
As my cell phone was not working, I went to the school office at prep time to make calls. While I was there, parents either called or came to pick up their children. I called my aunt-in-law's house, (she works in the WTC area), and was told by her mother that she had not gone to work because of a doctor's appointment. I also called a cousin who works in Midtown Manhattan, and he said that he was fine and making his way home.
At the end of the day, a school bus driver told me that listening to the details on the radio doesn't compare to viewing them. Yet, I was in no hurry to go home. So when my principal asked for staff to remain just incase students had no one to get them, I was among many who volunteered. The PTA provided us with Uncle Bens rice bowls. Fortunately every child was picked up, and none of the ones who walked home returned.
When I made it home I turned on the television and was saddened,pained, and yet comforted that despite all the chaos, God provided wisdom to our leaders. In particular, Mayor Guiliani who was a calming force. Later that night I heard planes flying overhead. I live in Long Island about 15 minutes away from JFK airport. One of the news anchors reported that calls had been received regarding the planes, and that the aircrafts were transporting medical personnel.
I went to church the following Wednesday night and heard from some who had been in the city. Their accounts were nothing short of harrowing. I just couldn't imagine experiencing what they had encountered.
As the first anniversary approaches, my prayer is that families and loved ones will have peace. I imagine that many may not have closure, but I hope that peace will take effect in their hearts and lives....the peace that transcends all understanding.
Collection
Citation
“story1397.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed December 24, 2025, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/6059.