story8186.xml

story8186.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-29

While on my way to work, I heard the news on the radio. As soon as the first plane hit, I felt the possibility of a terrorist attack.

My mind went back to the earlier attack in the WTC a few years ago. I had been teaching a Home Health Aide class one block away from the WTC on the corner of Broadway and John St. when I heard what sounded like the loudest thunder I had ever heard and the building shook. At that time, I kept on teaching never suspecting a terrorist attack.

I soon dismissed the class for lunch and went outside. I stopped in a local coffee shop where the owner had a radio. He thought a transformer had blown, Reality began to set in since I was suspicious when I saw ambulances and helicopters flying overhead. But I still did not know what happened.

I went back to my office. My older son had left a message on the answering machine and I could hear the panic in his voice asking if I was ok. I called him back to let him know I was ok. He knew what happened before I did since he heard the news on Long Island TV. I kept teaching my aides that day since the subways were closed till later in the day so nobody could go home anyway.

When I did get to the subway to go back to Penn Station, I saw and heard people who had walked down the many flights at the WTC. They looked stunned and discheveled.

I had to return to work and I did. However, our office was supposed to move to Liberty Street (which was even closed to the WTC) that weekend. We couldn't since the street was blocked off. The move was delayed for a month. I suggested to my supervisor that we should cancel our lease. She said that we couldn't and told me how great it would be since I could now walkdirectly into the WTC to get the train back to Penn Station. Our office was right near a firehouse as well.

I never felt comfortable going into the WTC after that, and would walk outside if the weather was ok. I alwasys felt that something would happen again. And I used to love the exitement of all the things going on there...

When the 1st plane hit on 9/11, I felt as though it had ripped throught my heart and that I was right there at the WTC again. I thought of the men in the firehouse and how they used to kid around with us outside.

However, never it my wildest imagination could I have pictured what actually occured that day. Each day since 9/11, I go on because I am determined to not let terrorists get the best of me or my family. They make it hard, but I know that G-d is on my side.

I am a nurse, and I know that I have to heal and help heal others. Therefore, I hope my reflections will touch someone's heart. Lastly, I pray that no one else will have to feel the pain that all of those families who lost loved ones that day had to suffer. My thoughts are forever with them.