9-11-9

I walked into the Salvation Army thrift shop where I worked part time. It was a regular day for me. I was impatient for the day to be over because my boyfriend (now husband) was at my apartment and I couldn't wait to see him. I went right to work hanging out the new clothes,when I heard on the radio something about a plane crashing into the Twin Towers. I am sorry to say i didn't know anything sabout the Towers until they fell. they were just another set of skyscrapers in a country full of them. I was saddened but when they announced a second plane had crashed. then i knew it was no accident. I ran over to the other cashier who had been there listening longer. Andrea told me no one knew exactly what was happening. soon after that we learned that calls were made from a plane over western PA, where I lived. No one knew where it was headed. I called to check with my sitter. I don't know why but the my world was going crazy and I just had to know she was okay. Then I called Bill, he told me he was watching the news, but didn't know much more than me. That day dragged on forever, nothing but news on the radio and it was all bad. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon and the plane over PA crashed north of Pittsburgh. I still am haunted by the thought of those brave souls flying over me in the sky taking on the hijackers in a an epic display of bravery. I don't remember ever crying so much. All forms of media bombarded us with horrific images that to this day are burned into my soul. I remember going out an lighting a candle in my front yard. Kneeling with Jordynn and saying prayers for those who were still trapped in the towers. America changed that day. Our peace was broken and we had to take a second look at how we lived each day. The bravery, the patriotism, the overwhelming kindess of strangers and the way Americans pulled together was so heartening. Eight years later that feeling has been lost. It didn't take long for us all to forget what happened and even who did it to us. I asked my sister Violet while she was in HS about the hunt for Osama Bin Laden why were we at war with Iraq and she responded becasue they sattacked us on 9-11. That was what she was being taught. I say this not to lay blame, this is a day of Rememberence. I only want the truth to be remembered. For my kids, my grandkids and all those that follow. Unless we keep the truth about that day. We can never learn from it. To all those that are still struggiling with the losses us that day, know that all America grieves with you.