story7205.xml

story7205.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

I was woke up to my husband yelling to me from the living room, "a plane crashed into the WTC!" I jumped up and ran to the TV and was horrified by the sight of the immense flames and smoke. I remember thinking,"how will they put that fire out? will they have to let it burn? are people getting out safely?" As we watched in amazment, it wasn't too long until we were struck by terror wen the other plane struck the second tower. I knew then that it was no accident. From that point, I was shaken and crying. I was supposed to drive 2 and half hours that day to conduct an interview in Ukiah, CA. I didn't want to go to work. I wanted to watch these historic events unfold. I remember I watched the NEWS until I had to leave and became any later for work. But I remember getting angry at the news announceers and reporters because of their comments. When the first towe began to fall, I freaked out. I was balling and my heart was breaking from the horror I was witnessing. I remember the announcer, calmly and matter of factly saying "oh, it looks as though they have decided to blow up the building to demolish it..." I couldn't believe his ignorance! I didn't understand how he could not SEE than the building was falling on its own! I was really struck by his comment fo rsome reason. Maybe I jsut wanted to be mad at someone. I eventually left for work, and my day was full of more human interactions and sights that I have never experienced before. When I arrived at work, my boss was so surprised that I had not left for Ukiah yet. I apologized, and I think I was more surprised that she said that to me since everyone had been watching TV or listiening to the radio throughout the offices. Obviously, no one was ready to get back to the daily routine. For about 1 and half hours or more of my driving time, I got no reception on the car radio because of the rural location I was driving to. I did see many American flags posted on mailboxes, barns, diesel trucks and tractors as I drove through the Mendocino County hills. The day was a somber day and it felt like it would never end. I didn't want to leave Sacramento that day, I was fearful for my family and friends and the city. I dreaded that drive that day and was praying and crying the whole time I was in that car.