Well, it doesn't seem quite appropriate to say it seems like it was just yesterday but it certainly does feel like it at times. September 11, 2001...it is certainly a day I will never forget just like many of you. The one thing that I do know for certain is that the actions of that day changed us, as people and as a nation, forever.
I was working as a customs agent for UPS at the time so I worked evenings. It was usually about 10 or 11 at night by the time I got off work on a daily basis so I really was a nightowl. My roommates at the time worked days, and went to school during the day so the house was usually empty by the time I woke up.
On that morning I distinctly remember Jason shaking me awake and telling me to turn on the TV...NOW! Once I rubbed my eyes semi-clear and was able to focus all thoughts of being able to go back to sleep were gone. The TV turned on just in time to see the second plane hit the towers. I couldn't believe what I was seeing but I was instantly awake. Over the next few hours I sat riveted in front of the TV watching in disbelief. When the towers fell my heart sank in my chest and I just kept thinking what is going on??
I can only imagine the horrors that people in New York had to deal with. So many people were in those building and in the vicinity at the time. So many loved ones lost....so many friends and family members, neighbors and acquaintances gone forever.
I visited the site of the towers in 2007. We were on vacation in Boston (YAY!) and took a day trip to NYC. Even then the site was astonishing and something that I will never forget. I can't wait until I can go back and visit the memorial and pay my respects again.
I think it is important to keep the thoughts of that day close to the surface. I know that a lot of people can't because it stirs up powerful emotions that are difficult to deal with. I feed off of it at times, I don't shy away from the shows remembering because I want the pain of that day to stay fresh.
Where were you on that day?? What do you remember and what do you take from it now??
