I too know exactly what I was doing - Getting ready for work, when I heard a small plane had just hit one of the trade center. Came around the corner and saw the hole - live tv. I said no way that was a small plane - then the second plane came in and hit the other tower. I fell to my knees and cried and cried said a Prayer and then the Pentagon got hit. Went to work put back on the tv and the other plane was taken down by passengers. Our customers were not understanding why my tears would not quit. I hope they understand now. Worried about our children and their children and felt worthless that day.
Thought this was a good opportunity for us to share our memories of that aweful day.
I remember just arriving at Scheels for work that morning. I was driving my '89 Buick Skylark. The Bob and Tom show was actually broadcasting what they thought had taken place. I remember that it wasn't normal. This was the Bob and Tom show and they were suppose to be making me laugh. When I got into the store I recall heading straight for the tv's on the shoe department floor. I stood there in awe at the sight of the huge burning hole in the side of the north tower. My co-workers started filing in and stood beside me practically in silence the entire time as the second plane hit...the south tower fell...the north tower fell...the eerie sounds of the firemen's alerts beeping amidst the dusty fog (probably the most memorable sound ever).
I remember the number of casualties we were all guessing there would be. 50,000...30,000. At that point it was anybody's guess but we figured it would be an unbelievable amount. The media then began the talk of a terrorist attack and I can remember a surge of emotion overcoming me. I was pissed. If I could have at that moment, I would have been on the next plane to New York to offer help in any way, shape, or form. Obviously this was not a possibility but I figured the next opportunity I was going to try make it happen. I took names of others that might be interested in joining me. Pretty much everyone I spoke to was ready to go. We all felt the same...we wanted to help. But I think deep down we all really knew that it wouldn't be possible.
I sat in front of the news until early the next morning watching, steaming at the thought that my country had been attacked. It took me awhile to settle my emotions. Eventually I would calm down but to this day, when I watch those replays, those emotions come to the surface again and I'm reminded of the vulnerabilities of this country.
But this weekend I've noticed something different than I had in past years. The stories of courage and heroism are far greater than I had known. New emotions about this tragedy have stirred and have caused me to re-think my perception of this country and the people that make it. I consider the generation that won WW2 the greatest generation and always will. But hearing these incredible stories from 9/11 makes me believe that we just may still have what the greatest generation had. And I think, just maybe, our country can and will make it through even the most difficult times.
Side note....10:09AM I just heard city sirens...I'm wondering if those were from the fire department in memory of those nearly 400 firefighters lost?
Anyone else care to share their 9/11 memories?
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
