Thursday, September 11, 2008

Where Were You?

I can't believe it's been seven years. I remember it like it was yesterday. The day started out like every other day. I got up, got dressed and went to work, we all did.

My mother called me at work and asked if I heard anything about a plane flying into the World Trade Center. I hadn't heard anything and we both hoped it wasn't true. I worked on Church Street the first time the WTC was damaged and my mind went back to that day.

I went online to see if I could find any information. Since there was nothing there, I figured what my mother heard was untrue. I said a prayer and went back to my work. Just as I put the thought out of my head, she called back and told me that the first tower had definitely been hit and that I should turn on the radio. It was all over the airwaves. A plane was flown into the World Trade Center.




It was unbelievable! I was in shock. My mind, once again, went back to the first time an attempt was made to destroy one of those buildings. I immediately thought of all the lives that would be lost. I sat down and cried. After the second tower was hit, I was devastated. I could only imagine what the people who were in those buildings must have been going through.

We all left work early and I made a beeline to my son's elementary school. Everyone was there picking their children up. We all wanted to make sure that our babies were with us. We weren't sure if we could keep them safe, but at least we would be together. No one knew if something else was going to happen and we were all terrified.

The World Trade Center towers were a part of the view from my terrace. I looked when I got home and all I saw was black smoke. I held my son's hand and cried like a baby. He didn't understand what was going on and I did the best I could to explain. To be honest, I wasn't sure myself. Who would do such a thing? How much hate do you have to have in your heart to kill thousands of people?

The images I saw on television are in my head to this day. Seeing people jump out of windows to escape the heat is something I will never forget. So many lost lives. All the people who kissed their relatives goodbye, never to see them again, and those who never got the chance to say goodbye. People walking around devastated and covered in ash.




A few days later my mother, daughter, sisters, a good friend, and I went down to a candlelight vigil in Union Square. Posters of lost loved ones were everywhere. People were hugging each other and crying. It wasn't about black or white, rich or poor, this or that, it was about the unnecessary loss of human life and the aftermath. People always seem to come together when there is a tragedy. Why can't it just stay that way?

I can't help but think about the presidential election today. Thinking about the tragedy only reinforces the need for change. After what took place seven years ago, how could anyone want more of the same? It boggles my mind that people don't make the connection. It's time for a new face, a new party, and some new policies that actually have a chance of helping people who need it the most. It's time for a change.

I thank God every day that my family wasn't affected by the tragedy. I also pray for those who were. Life is so short. We really have to cherish the ones we love and let them know how we feel about them. You never know what could happen. We have to value the love we receive.

Take some time today to think about those who lost their lives and be thankful for your life and the lives of the people you care about.

3 comments:

Standing Able said...

WOW! I can still feel the heat, smell the fumes and the burning of flesh...you see I'm a Police Officer here in the Nations Capitol and when the plane hit the first tower I was at my desk. The second plane hit and everyone was ordered to Pennsylvania Avnenue to assist with blocking off the surrounding area close to the White House. And then the Pentagon was hit, and all Hell broke loose...and because I am Hazmat trained I was immediately dispatched to the Pentagon. It really is difficult to express the sense of loss and devastation during those first hours. I know that it will be with me for the remainder of my life. I will forever be grateful for every breath I breathe because our time truly isn't God's time and the time that He gives to us is precious and I will live each one as if it were my last. Father, in the name of Jesus, continue to bless Tammy in a mighty and special way. Keep a hedge of protection around she and her family. Bless her writing in abundance and Lord I know that you are able to take her writing far and wide and have it bless all
that read it. Thank you Jesus for her LIFE and for the lives of each and everyone of her family members and friends! Now, Lord we dare not forget all the lives that were lost and we dare not forget their families. Give each of them sweet peace and rest that only You can give. Comfort them this day. Lord, we thank you and we love you, In Jesus Name Amen!

Forever Grateful!

Strongblkwmn said...

Thank you so much for your prayer and also for the work you do as a police officer. September is a day that will forever be tattooed in history and in our hearts and minds. I really hope that people really take the time to let the people they love know how they feel about them.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I feel blessed to have you here, especially after those beautiful words.

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

I was at work and as soon as I heard and saw it, I immediately left work. I'm in law enforcement and I was not about to stay at work and protect the citizens of DC when my 2 kids needing protecting. My motherly instincts kicked in and for the next 24 hours I was glued to the tv. I felt like a victim as well. Not to the degree of being there, but I was mad as hell and my heart was broken. It came on the other night and again, I was glued to the TV. I hate the fact that they show it every year and I hate the fact that I can't stop watching it!