story7427.xml

story7427.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-14

I was busy working at my computer when a few people gathered at the desk behind me. I wasn't paying any attention to what they were looking at until one of the girls asked me if I was "In the loop". I asked her what she meant and that's when I learned about the first plane crashing into Tower One. Terrorism did not cross my mind at this point. I assumed it was accidental. Until moments later when the second plane crashed. That is when the disbelief began. We didn't appreciate the graveness of the situation until our boss gathered us together to tell us how serious it was and that we should not use the telephones unless it was necessary as to keep the lines open for those affected. The actual shock didn't set in until the ride home when every radio station had news coverage and I realized the enormity of it all. I cried all the way home. That following Friday, everyone was asked to have a candlelight vigil for the victims and their families. My husband and I went home and gathered every candle in the house. We lined them up both sides of the driveway, across the front walk and up the front steps. It was something small to honor them but hardly enough. We both wanted to do so much more. My husband left his name as a volunteer, but was told that at that time, they weren't in need of anyone. I still get chills when I see photos of that day and even pictures of the Twin Towers when they were still intact. I did not know any of the victims who lost their lives personally, but I cried as if I did. The hairs on my arms stood up every time I drove in my car and experienced the PRIDE of America shown in the flags that were so proudly displayed so prominently and at so many homes. To this day, I cannot hear a patriotic song without reliving that day. God Bless the families of the victims that lost their lives that horrible day and God Bless America. We will stand strong.