story7133.xml

story7133.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

I had a 7am flight that morning which I missed. I was sad or felt I did not want to leave home that morning. I woke up, called the airline to make sure there was availability on a later flight. There was, so I stayed home a little longer. During my drive I just did not feel like leaving town. I travel almost weekly and this particular day, I had NO motivation to leave.

I had approached the toll plaza when my husband phoned. He asked if I heard anything about a plane that hit a building. I did not at the time. I turned up the radio and a song was then interrupted. Details were very unclear but I became horrified.

I broke into tears. My driving was becoming more and more erratic as I listened to the few details the newscasters had. I phoned my mother. By this time I was shaking and crying hysterically. I was nearly hyperventilating crying to her that I did not want to go to my flight.

I was struggling with my fear, I was afraid of being reprimanded if I cancelled my flight. I was about to pull of the road as I was crying uncontrollably and heard the announcement that airports across the nation were cancelling flights.

I had chills yet I was relieved. I exited the toll road to compose myself. That is when I heard that the crash could have been an attack. I went to my ex mother-in-laws home as she was close to the exit. I watched television only minutes after arriving, the second plane hit. I was shocked that the client I cancelled the appointment with was upset that I could not make it. She suggested I try to find another way to get there. I pray she did not realize what had happened to have such little compassion.

Words cannot describe the sorrow I felt. I mourned for weeks, months, and still today. I broke down emotionally for a period of time. I am very porud of Mayor Rudy G. and President Bush. They made me feel safer. I felt stronger when I heard their voices. I am so sorry for the victems, families, and friends of the people who so senselessly died. I pray for them. I pray for us. I will never feel the same.

I was the first person from my very large company. I felt safe travelling. I feel VERY safe with Southwest Airlines, BUT, I am not satisfied with airport security, especially at Chicago, Midway Airport.I hope an effective airport security plan is made and used. I hope Midway will evaluate the personnel they have and make appropriate decisions.

Thank you Southwest for making me feel safe! I flew on Sept. 10 and 12, 2002. I will continue to fly. The terrorists will not stop me from living.