Saturday, September 11, 2010
9-11, remembering...
Are you remembering? I can't forget, I don't want to forget...I want my children to know and remember. Below is an excerpt from DS2's Baby Book that I wrote after the 9-11 attacks:
Written in DS2’s baby book:
Where were you? Between 8:45 and 9:03…we (dh, ds2 and myself) were standing outside taking photos to remember how happy we were…little did we know how much our world was changing. Our lives changed along with the world.
Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was a beautiful day. It was warm and the sky was as blue and clear as I can remember. DH and I were excited to be taking DS2 to his first Doctors appointment that morning.
As we readied ourselves for the trip to the Dr., the morning news had a breaking story about a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center Twin Towers in NYC. We watched the photographs being telecast in awe and wonder at such a freak accident.
Before leaving for the Dr.’s office we took Baby outside on the front stoop to take some photos of him. He was so tiny and perfect. I felt so happy and good. All was right with the world.
Upon entering the examination room our Pediatrician walked in with tears in her eyes and said, “They have bombed the Pentagon!” We were in shock, and then learned that the plane we had seen hit the World Trade Center Tower wasn’t an accident and there had been a second plane to hit the other tower. In a few short minutes 3 planes became hurling, death machines for thousands of people. There was even more sadness to come as another plane was crashed in Pennsylvania as part of the same attack.
Our world was under attack. After leaving the Dr.s office I rode in back with my new baby and cried. Fear was there…fear for our country, our way of life, my new baby, my sweet other children…fear of the unknown. We had no idea where these attacks had come from or where they would hit next. There was fear and anxiety on what we should do next to prepare for what ever terrible turn came. DD and DS1 were in school and we wondered if we should go in and get them from school.
The next few hours held little comfort as we watching in horror as the two landmarks of the western world fell with 1000s of people trapped inside. I was so scared and all we could do was pray.
It was the day that the world stopped turning…a day when we all stopped and stood still.
Little did I know that a year later I would find myself holding my precious 1 year old and commemorating the 9-11 attacks in our new home in NY. It was a surreal experience and yes, I took pictures. It was as if I wanted the photos to prove that this attack didn’t stop us or our great Nation. It may seem odd that I included the horrors of the 9-11 attacks in DS2’s baby book but I need for my children never to forget and know that the world changed for them…that day.
I remember and will never forget.
ReplyDeleteWe were getting ready to start our day of learning at home...we did learn that day, but it was a heartbreaking lesson.
Thanks for your visit to my blog and for your kind words!
Yes I do remember the day vividly. I don't think I'll every forget, I can't imagine any American ever forgetting.
ReplyDeleteI was at Ground Zero a couple of months after 9/11. It was still smoldering, the smells were rancid from the wreckage, many of the sidewalks were still coated in the dust cloud, people walked and talked in hush tones. I stood at the fences reading the heartbreaking tributes to many of those who perished. Bless all those who perished that day at all three sites.
I remember as well. My mother called me explaining what had happened, and I brushed it off to a movie instead of the news. How devastated I was when I was able to see it for myself. Disbelief that something so malicious would happen.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comment on my blog the other day.
I was driving to work when I heard about the first plane hitting tower one. At first I thought it was a terrible accident but when I entered my office I flipped on the news and found out that it was a terrorist attack. I ran over to the company cafeteria and flipped on the news. A crowd gathered around as everyone starred in silence at the screen. I called my parents from my cell phone. I couldn't believe what was happening. I think everyone was in shock. I sobbed as I watched the footage of those who jumped. All I could do is pray.
ReplyDeleteThat was a weird day full of mixed emotions because I also had my first date with my husband on 9/11/01. It was a very serious dinner date as we discussed our families, values, and belief in God. Every 9/11 we can't help but think about our first date. It reminds us to stop and appreciate each other, marriage, and family.
i think it's so important that we remember....even the ones who were too young to understand at the time. your story gave me chills. we must hold each other closer, be a little kinder and more willing to lend a hand. thankful for you sweet friend!
ReplyDelete