story4435.xml

story4435.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was escorting a patient over to the lab when I saw on T.V this tall building with all of this smoke billowing out of it. I thought wow, I wonder what happened there??? Then I heard them say that an airplane had hit the building. I thought what an aweful accident I wonder if the pilot had a heart attack or seizure or something and lost control. Then to my shock I saw the second plane hit the second tower! Then the words were that this was highly thought to be a terrorist attack. I was mortified! The potential loss of life was enormous, and that was minimal until the towers came crashing down. I felt an emptiness and sadness that I can not explain. Then the pentagon was attacked and then I was even more frightened. Where would they attack next? Then the rumors of another plane circling that officials felt was also controlled by terrorists. This plane ended up being the fateful flight 93. I just began praying to God for his mercy and that this come to an end. I must say that since this has happened I have taken a more active awareness of current political and world events. At 27 you really don't think of those things. I had never even heard of the World Trade Center until last September 11. I am thankful to my Lord for everyday he allows me to wake up and breathe and live another day - especially when so many families lost their loved ones and would give anything for that priviledge now. I definetly tell my husband, family and friends more now than ever befroe that I love them and appreceiate them in my life. I don't think I could be as strong as some of these people who have lost so much. My sister-in-law knows a lady in Bay City, Michigan who trains dogs. This dog, Salty, which was the third dog she had trained was owned by a paralyzed and mostly blind man who was employed in the World Trade Center. When the plane hit he told his dog at the stairwell to go home. To get out of there. The dog got caught up in others trying to flee. He turned around came back 17 stories and drug his owner to the stairwell where others helped him down the stairs. Only 30 people after him would escape and survive before the tower collapsed! His loyal dog saved his life and this woman had a hand in that years ago when she trained him.
There were so many heroes that dreadful day and I pray everyday for those that have lost loved ones or like Lauren Manning who was just on Oprah this week who have been physically scarred (she had over 82% of her body burned) and are constantly reminded of the effects of that day. I am very proud to be an American and proud of all those who gave of themselves sacrificially and selflessly that day and in the days to come. I personally will never forget this national tragedy. I look to the following scripture for comfort:
2 Chronicles 7:14 "IF MY PEOPLE, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND."

Let the healing begin today......

Sincerely,
Kristin L. Starke
Saginaw, Michigan