story2779.xml

story2779.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was home with my 4 month old daughter, playing in her room when the phone rang. Usually, I'd let the answering machine get it, but for some reason I picked it up. My husband asked me to put on the t.v. I did and there was nothing. I clicked around until I found a channel that would come in. Just in time to witness the second plane hit the World Trade Center. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I felt it had to be a bad dream. I watched and cried with my daughter in my arms and my husband on the other end of the phone. He couldn't come home since he works for the gas pipeline that runs right along the Arthur Kill and up into the Meadowlands, Staten Island and Long Island. He was required to stay late because of fear that there may be more attacks.
I felt helpless, scared and alone. I called my family and my parents, brother and his family all gathered here at my house. Just having my loved ones near gave me strength.
My poor mother was re-living the events in Japan back in 1944 when, at the age of 11, she witnessed the bombing of Hiroshima. My mom was only 50 miles outside of the center. Fortunately, she was not injured. But she lost some friends and distant relatives. We all tried to console one another as the night wore on. We didn't know what else to do. We just sat and talked.
I cried for 2 weeks after that. Especially at dusk when it would look like those poor people (if any survived) would have to go another night without being found. I had held out hope that more survivors would be found. I was wrong.
Now, a year later, I am home with my daughter, trying to not break down as I look into those beautiful green eyes and wonder if the future really is bright for her. I can only hope and pray that it will.