Remebering 9/11

Calina_Leigh · Post by **Calina_Leigh** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 2:45 pm

Remembering 9/11

Just a little background:
On December 31, 2000, my then girlfriend now wife, found out she was pregnant. I was awash in turbulent emotions. I was not ready to be a father and in fact, I did not think that I would ever have children. Needless to say, this was an emotional time for me. But as time went by I grew to love the person that I had not even met yet.

Ok, now,fast forward.

My daughter’s due date was 9/4/01 but she seemed to be comfortable where she was and the doctor scheduled my wife to be induced a week later.

When we had gotten to the hospital and went the labor/delivery floor, we noticed that there were no nurses. We thought that was a little peculiar. As we approached the nurse’s station, we noticed that all the nurses were in one of the rooms watching TV. One of the nurses came out to check us in. I asked what was going on and she told us that a plane hit the World Trade Center. In my mind, I was thinking that it was a small plane like a Cessna or something. My wife and I went into the labor room and I turned on the TV. While my wife was in the bathroom getting changed, I saw footage of a plane turning and hitting a tower. I saw then that it was a passenger plane but because the towers are so large, I thought it was a 727 or something. Of course this is not something that you see every day and I thought that it was amazing that someone actually got footage of it. The camera panned back and I then saw that the other tower was on fire. Then in my mind I thought, ok it must have been that the other tower was on fire and they were filming that story and happened to get the plane hitting the building. I thought that maybe the pilot got lost in the smoke and tried to correct but was too late. It was not until later that I figured out that I had seen the second plane hit.

My wife came out of the bathroom and we started watching the news reports. As the story unfolded, it started seem like it was the end of the world. We saw the Pentagon and then the plane that crashed in the field in Pennsylvania. We heard the reports of all planes being grounded and then we saw the towers collapse. Neither of us could believe what was going on.

Then my world truly changed.

At 2:20 my wife’s water broke and the TV was turned off. At 3:20pm my daughter came out into the world. There she was now. The thing that had created so much fear in me but had also brought so much joy when I finally came to accept I was being a father. As I held her in my arms, the rest of the world disappeared and it was only me and her.

Now three years later we are coming up on the anniversary of that tragic day, but I cannot be sad. For on that the greatest thing that ever happened to me occurred, my daughter’s birth. The world has changed from what I knew growing up but now my life has meaning.

It is hard to believe that my daughter is going to be three years old and it is amazing watching her growing up before my eyes. She is smart, she recognizes almost all her capitol letters, she can count to ten, she knows most of her basic colors, and of course, is getting into everything. The little bugger even figured out how to flip light switches using a broom handle.

In retrospect, even though it was such a tragic day and not something I would ever want to happen again, it was also the greatest day of my life. I hope that as we remember the tragedy and the sacrifices that were made on that day, we also remember that miracles do happen.

Merinda · Post by **Merinda** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:17 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARLENA

We're ahead of your time here in Aus' so its 7:07 am September 11

September 11 2001 is one of the worst days in the history of this world , the bomb exploding at the gate of the Australian embassy in Jakarta the other day is proof that terrorism is still alive and well.

CJ · Post by CJ » Fri Sep 10, 2004 4:23 pm

Hi all,

Calina,

How right you are! On September 11th, tomorrow, you'll have occasion to celebrate the anniversary of the coming of a new life into the world, even as you mourn those who died three years ago in NYC.

I was on vacation in St-John's, Newfoundland, when the Twin Towers were hit (it was about 10:00 am, over there). Word spread quickly. The terrible news was on everyone's lips. My friend and I heard it on the radio, but we didn't get to see the footage until we got home, that night, around 7:30. Nothing I had heard throughout the day prepared me for the horror I saw on the television. I just couldn't believe the extent of the devastation (there were no sure figures, yet, on how many people were presumed dead, so the human cost was still a very abstract thing). The scope, the magnitude, of this event was too big for me to fathom. I can't even begin to imagine what it must've been like for those who were at Ground Zero.

During that day, the planes started coming in. Airspace being off-limits in the continental U.S., they flew into Gander, Goose Bay, St-John's, Halifax, and other points in the Maritimes. For a couple of days, we had an American "invasion" on our hands. But it was a heartbreaking invasion; people were in shock and many had that stunned look on their faces you associate with incomprehensible loss. Some were crying. The locals did the best they could to comfort them and to tend to their needs. It was the first time ever in my life that I saw people huddle together and hug each other, regardless of where they lived on the planet. The destruction of the WTC and the killing of the thousands at Ground Zero was an event so horrifying that it served, if only momentarily, to erase all notions of "national" citizenship. No, this was a massive attack against humanity itself.

May we never again witness such a horror. I'll be spending a moment in silence tomorrow, in rememberance of those who died, with a thought also for their families and their friends.

The one thing that gives me hope is that the likes of Osama bin Laden will never be able to stem the tide of life. Marlena Ashley is proof of this.

Love,
CJ

Lorna · Post by **Lorna** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 5:52 pm

Hi Calina,

That is truly beautiful. You recieved a beautiful light of hope on a day where many felt that it was all over. You have a beautiful little girl to be very proud of.

This is going to be quite difficult for me to type but here goes - Where was I on 9/11? Since I live in NY, this was all happening practically under my nose. I was at work on Long Island. Many of my friends and relatives were in the city at the time.

I had just gotten into work that morning. It was about 8:55 when one of my coworkers was running through the office screaming "A plane crashed into the World Trade Center!" I could not believe my ears.

I went downstairs to the cafeteria where there were a bunch of people crowded around the TV, watching live footage of the smoking building. I actually witnessed the live footage of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center. Right away I began to feel sick. I could not believe what I just witnessed. This was no freak plane crash. We were under attack.

At this point there was really no reason to work. My boss began to immediately send people home. Although we were all dismissed, we stuck around and watched the news coverage on TV. Around 10 or so I watched the first building crumble to the ground. Many of my coworkers were in tears. Then just before 10:30 I watched the second building fall.

Right away I began to think of my friends who worked either in or around the World Trade Center. I could not believe what was happening. It felt like I was in the middle of a bad movie. I was really scared on the drive back home, wondering what if anything else would happen. I got on my cell and there was no reception. So instead of going home I drove to my mother's house and told her to turn on the news. She was in shock. I called my father to make sure he wasn't in the city for any reason. Fortunately he was still at his place in Queens. I spent the rest of the afternoon calling friends and relatives who were in and out of NY.

I lost four friends in the WTC attack. There were 4 others who were supposed to be there, but fate had othe plans for them. One was late going to work, another was out sick, another had the day off, and the other left the building to get breakfast.

That night I received an e mail. Attached was a pic of the World Trade Center standing tall with two hearts in the background. The caption read "May God Bless Us All". I immediately broke down and cried.

I finally made my way back to the city 2 weeks later. It really broke my heart to drive down the BQE, look at the city horizon, and not see my beloved twin towers there. I'm getting misty as I type this now.

Today, some folks think it’s a disgrace and somehow a “dishonor” that many people are going out about their Saturday night activities since this year 9/11 falls on a Saturday. MY feeling is that going out and just living our lives as usual should be our DUTY as proud Americans – to show all the terrorists of the world that we CAN NOT and WILL NOT be intimidated.

And mere days after the attack, that is EXACTLY what Giuliani was telling the people of NY to do.

Jessie · Post by **Jessie** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 6:46 pm

I was origanly asleep when my father called me. At first I thought it was a joke untill I turned on the tv. every channel had the samething. I started calling my local family to find out if they had contact with our realitves in NY. It was hard getting threw. I later found out the that NYC Cop uncle was on duty patroling the river when the even happened. And my younger cousian told me that she and many other class mates watched the falling towers from the classroom that looked out to the NY skyline. I was lucky with all the family I have in NY none got injured but still those two towers ment to much to me. The insipered my imation for years I found a picture of me when I was little all bundle up for a NY winter as a picture is taken of me in the main loby. Then of anouther picture with my mom my two half brothers my step-dad and myself sitting on the aginst the railing with statue of liberty in the background as we stood on the observation deck. Those two towers no matter how acward they where still insired me.

But we have to move on and it is good to know that the of daughter, Calina_Leigh, is somthing good to come out of day so terriable.

Love for all Jessie

Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:56 am

Calina, tell your little one "Happy Birthday" for me.

Wow, three years today. I'll never forget that day. I worked until, I think, midnight. I had compiled a bunch of statistics about my hotel's e-commerce business (that is, what we were doing with Expedia, etc). I went home and sat up with my wife organizing all of it into a spreadsheet that we then organized into color charts. I was up until about 6 am (this was OK because I didn't have to be back at work until 3 pm; sleeping until noon isn't unusual for people who work that shift). I had just really settled down into deep sleep when the phone rang.

My mother-in-law knew we'd be in bed, and wouldn't have a TV on. The first plane had just slammed into the WTC. I remember thinking, like everyone else at that point, "It must have been an accident with a Cessna..." I went into the living room and turned on the TV. There wasn't anything on yet, so I went into the other room and fired up the computer. There wasn't much online, either (a first, for the internet, I think). I walked back into the living room just in time to witness the second plane coming in...

About 9 am, my job called. The airport was closing, and the airlines were going to need rooms for all those stranded people. Normally, on any other day, I'd have explained about not getting any sleep, and offered to come in later. Not that day. I said I'd be in soonest, took a shower, shaved, climbed into my clothes and drove to work.

In some ways it was a great day. CNN showed us what folks in NY and DC were doing. We couldn't help them directly, but we did the best we could under the circumstances for the people in our care. My day ended again around 11 pm, and I didn't linger. I went straight home, and soon to bed.

Mellissa · Post by **Mellissa** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:14 am

I Live in Holland and i can remember it as if it was yesterday
I just was home from work (i work shifts) it was around 15:00 hours here
And i always watch CNN when i get home just to get some news
then the reports came in of the attack and the images
I fell in a complete shock as i watched the plane (second one) fly into the tower
realaizing at that very moment the world would never be the same
I think it unbelieveable some one is capable of such an act
Just couse you dont agree with the western livestyle and believes
The attack wasnt just on America but also on all of the western country's
just look at the attacks in Madrid were over 200 people died
I just hope we can learn to accept all people as they are
But i have to admit i dont like Muslims at all there way to radical (no offense intended just my oppinion)
The attack realy made me feel this way Sorry

I just want to say that I still remember the day and today i burn a candle for all victims who fell in the attack

ONLY THE DEAD HAVE SEEN THE END OF WAR (PLATO)

Carolynn · Post by **Carolynn** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 8:35 am

Hi Calina!!!!

Please pass on a big

to Marlena.

It is always nice to remember new life and future promise on a day that is known for so much death and turmoil. From what Bubbles said in her intro, you are planning a nice party for her tonight. Eat lots of cake!!!

I have a nephew who was born on April 19th, though it was well before the 1995 Murrow Building bombing in Oklahoma City. (they all lived in Oklahoma at the time). He was a highschool student at the time, and there were TVs and radios on all over the school, and school was finally just dismissed for several days. He says he can't really celebrate his birthday without the memories of that event intruding on his pleasure at making it another year. Hope that never happens for Marlena. Fortunately, Marlena is too young to understand 9/11 for now, and that's good!

Enjoy your day with her.

Beauty · Post by **Beauty** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:11 am

Hi everyone,

I lost friends in the WTC, but Lorna I never knew you lost 4. Being a former NY'kr not being there was tore me apart. Even when the towers fell to the earth I wanted to be there. I was so sad for the city. I was so sad for the loss. I wanted to be there to grieve with my NY'kr family.

When I hear the date I kind of limp and lose focus for a while. I honestly can't really remember things from Sept. 11th 2001 to September 11th of 2002. The whole year is a wash for me. It was only after I cried again from my trip from NYC on Sept 11th 2002 that I actually can say my grief began ending.

I cried the whole way home because Howard Stern re-broadcast his show from that day and it lasted the whole day. It was so weird hearing how we all were before that date. I remember when I'd look at shows and see people's faces and we'd go, "That's a pre-Sept 11th face."

Calina thanks for starting this thread. I'm sorry to all those who lost someone they knew because of these cowards who just care about killing and not about what is right or wrong, but I don't want to go there. This thread is very loving and supporting and that's the way it should remain.

God Bless us everyone and especially all those who are going through grief again today as they mourn the tragic loss of their friends.

Beauty

Eloise Goth · Post by **Eloise Goth** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 10:29 am

'These dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom,and that the Goverment of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'
Excerpt from the Gettysburg address.

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:00 pm

HI girls,

I don't know why, but just reading this thread made me bust out into tears. I guess all the sadness just overwhelmed me.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Eloise Goth · Post by **Eloise Goth** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 4:03 pm

I expect most-if not all-of us are feeling like that, Elizabeth. Time for a

I think...

Mellissa · Post by **Mellissa** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 6:04 pm

some friend mailed me this link go visit it and remember
it send shiffers down my spine and brought tears to my eyes (honestly it did)
NEVER FORGET

http://members.cox.net/classicweb/Heroes/heroes.htm

Kathy · Post by **Kathy** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 6:58 pm

I sat here this afternoon reflecting on the events that affected my life in 2001: multiple hospitalizations of my mother and the near loss of her left leg due to blood clots, her ordeal causing my father to become physically exhausted to the point of nearly dieing, the loss of my job and, of course, the events of September 11th.

During this time my emotions ran the gammut of fear, frustration, anger, helplessness to name just a few.

But during that time I saw the skill and experience of a surgical team save my mother's leg. I saw the compassion of the nursing staff at the hospital and rehabilitation center. I saw the kindness of our neighbors as they brought us food and snacks unsolicited.

I learned to change dressings. I learned to give injections. I learned how to administer IV drugs. I drew strength from my brother and sister and passed that strength on to my parents.

My fear and frustration became hope, my helplesness became strength and my anger turned to compassion.

And, in the days and weeks following September 11th, I watched as the people of America went through the same transition of emotions.

Out of the darkness of 2001 came the light of hope, compassion, strength and unity.

My heart goes out to those who lost friends and loved ones three years ago. My gratitude goes out to those who gave their lives so others could live. And I honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom.

God Bless You All!