story4874.xml

story4874.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I work in a large chain grocery/retail store. On the morning of September 11th an employee of mine told me that something was very wrong. My employee is Indian. He told me that a customer to whom he was serving breakfast to had told him of a severe plane accident: it has crashed into the Twin Towers of New York. In my hurry to get my parts of the store ready for business I tried to re-assure my fellow associate. "You know how people like to interpret the news. . . it's one customer, I am sure everything is alright. Don't worry." That's the bit of management advice I gave to him. The next 15 minutes were those of horror and astonishment. Within 5 minutes he informed me that his family member had called and something was very much wrong. Business seemed the same as usual; nothing out of the ordinary. So out of respect for my associate I proceeded to our Employee lunchroom where a television is set up. To my horror and disbelief; there - live was the destruction of lives, buildings, memories, futures. I was riveted. Felt like I was watching a movie; this could not be realistic. Everyone in the room watched in disbelief. No one could believe what we were seeing first-hand, brought to us live - through airwaves. I watched for 15 minutes and realized that I needed to prepare for my day in a way I had been brought up to believe would never happen here: in America. As I walked back to my department I had no words to tell my fellow associates. I could only do their jobs for them and allow them to see for themselves what was unfolding - live - as all of us prepared for a day we would never forget. I believe all any of us wanted was to run home, find our loved ones, draw them close and feel safe. Every single associate at our store was extremely upset; but felt we could help others by providing material things that they felt they might need. Alot of us also provided emotional support to our customers. We all bonded much more closer that day and have since then. We all were scared and yet in disbelief. Some of us still are. Some went about their jobs with a new zeal for life, love and the absolute persuit of homeland. Those feelings are still strong in our personal and professional lives today. We all have learned a lesson. Take nothing for granted, appreciate what you have on all levels of life, and compassion heals. Peace is not a dream; it is a right of every human being. We all need to do our part.