story8578.xml

story8578.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-10-26

I was sitting in a computer training course when the news broke. Every single person in that room immediately went to a News webpage on their respective computers. The class was finally dismissed, as no one could concentrate or learn anything with our hearts filled with so much sorrow. I was 1100 miles from home, and found it very hard not to be able to go give my family a hug. The reality set in later that day. I faced the dilemma of getting back on a plane to go home, or spend 24 hours driving home. By the time Friday came, many airports were still not operating, so 4 of us crammed into a small rental car and began the very long silent trip back to Iowa. The 4 of us got to know each other very well thru the tragedy, and none of us will ever forget the trip!! My next big decision came on Sunday afternoon, the day my next business trip was planned........do I climb back on a plane, or call my boss and tell him I can't do it? I decided not to let the evil terrorists ruin my life, and climbed aboard the plane........I was one of 3 passengers on that jet that night. Since then, I continue to travel for work every single week, and slowly, the air travel has picked back up to normal capacity. There is hardly any empty seats on the flights I take. I look at that every week and smile.......that is a sign that America, as a nation, decided to thumb their nose at Osama Bin Laden, and we continue to live our lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to every single person who lost a loved one on that very tragic day!!! God Bless You!!