story6608.xml

story6608.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

I had left for work about 7:30 a.m. to take the Burlington Northern train to downtown Chicago. As I arrived in Union Station, I saw many, many, many people standing around two television sets on the upper level of the station. I asked what was going on -- I was in total shock, but still didn't really understand what was happening until I arrived at work at 9:00 a.m. My Firm had an office on one of the floor's of the WTC building. We lost one employee, but possibly two -- no one is talking about the loss of another employee that was an attorney. At 10:00 a.m. we were told to leave the building immediately because rumors had it that another plane was out there, but no one knew exactly where. The Sears Tower is about nine blocks away, and consequently, I had to pass it to take the train back home. It was total chaos in the downtown area. Were we going to be next? That question still haunts us every day of our lives as so many people work in the downtown area. My life will never, never be the same. I was always reluctant to fly, but did so anyway because I love Florida. Next year I'm planning a trip to Tampa, but hopefully, I will decide that I shouldn't be afraid because what happens will happen anyway. Life is short enough you can't live your life in fear.

Sincerely,
Virginia M. Lunde