story7912.xml

story7912.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-18

I was working in the accounting department -- doing dailies when a co-worker ran down the hall and shouted that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York. My co-workers and I ran to the Lounge where both Televisions were on and people were gathering around. I said a quick prayer and was headed back to a quiet corner when someone screamed oh-my-God, another plane hit the other tower. Pandomonium broke out. As we were at an Airport property, many people in the room were getting ready to head back to New York and other parts north. Delta Airlines called the reservations and asked if they could have 100 rooms as all flights were cancelled and they had to put people up. Our reservations manager at the time, Mike Williams, agreed right away. There were others in Mgmt positions who wanted to benefit from this tragedy but we all stood behind Mike in trying to help. Needless to say, our lo by was swamped with people who were checking out and heard the news and decided to extend their stay and bus loads coming from the airport with distressed passengers. My supervisor asked me to work the front desk. Although, emotionally, I was a wreck and didn't know what was truly happening, I assumed the role of Front Desk Agent where I consoled and tried to brighten everyones day as I got them into their rooms where they could face thier grief and confusion either in solitude or join the multitudes in the lounge area. Yes, I was a scared but I also have tremendous Faith in God and know that He was still in charge. Hard as that is to believe, I know that "All things work together for the good..." So to this day, I have faith and remember and pray for those that didn't make it or for loved ones left behind.

God Bless America and all that dwell here! Thank God for the resurrection of faith - a good thing that came from that tragedy.