I remember the absolutely crystal blue skies in NY state that day.  It was a beautiful September day.  The kids had just gone back to school, I was home with just my little one, barely over a year old.  I had just stepped out of the shower when the phone rang. 

Clark was calling me from the base (Fort Drum 10th Mountain Div.), he asked if I was watching CNN.  I made some off the cuff remark that "duh, I have a 1 year old at home, Sesame Street maybe, CNN?? No!".  He said go turn it on, someone just flew a plane into the WTC.  Then he said "Oh My God, did you see that??" It didn't sink in, I was standing in a towel and told him I'd call him back.  I got dressed, went downstairs and turned the TV to CNN.  The OMG was because he was watching the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower.

I called him back and we talked a bit, he was in military mode so I didn't get to talk to him long.  Then I sat riveted to the television, and watched as a 3rd plane (initially thought to be a helicopter) crashed into the pentagon.  I knew better than to try and call Clark on the base, so I sent him an email that said "Should I be getting scared now?"  He replied with one word  - "Yes"

At 1:00 p.m. he pulled up in front of the house.  All the fear of that day deepened 10 fold because I knew there was only one reason he was home.  He quietly loaded all his mobility gear into the back of his car and kissed me deeply and wiped away my tears, then kissed his son of only a year, and said "I don't know when I'll be home again"  I had a million questions, and knew that he could answer none of them.  I told him to call the first chance he got.

As I watched him drive away I was mixed with a sense of terrible grief and fear because I truly did not know when I would see him again, or IF I would see him again.  But more than that, I held a sense of pride that carried me through that dark day.

The skies were very blue that day, and without a cloud in the NY sky, the rain of a million tears fell upon us...

Cat
     

Was doing my usual morning routine of watching CNN and having my morning cup of java.  I got up at 7 and saw the second plane hit live on tv, I was horrified and started crying of course.  I was born in NY and it will always be home to me.  Then I saw the news of the PA. plane and panicked BIG time.  The PA plane landed only a few miles away from where my daughter was staying at the time.  Needless to say I was pounding the phone buttons trying to get a hold of her, finally got a hold of her by evening time with a mixture of relief that my daughter was ok, and grief over all who weren't.

Ironically my dad and I were at the world trades center the weekend before 9-11-01, little did we know it would be the last time.

I will never forget!!!

I was on the phone with my friend Sue having my coffee and the kids had just finished breakfast and were just waiting for the time to begin the walk to school.

They were watching the morning news and I got out of the chair to get a refill, still talking to Sue when the kids said something like...

"Mom, a plane just flew into a building in New York."  I thought to myself...great, they changed the channel to cartoons, so I said.."Turn the news back on guys..."  They said..."But Mom this is the news..."

I came back around the corner after making my coffee and saw the TV...just moments later the second plane crashed.  I couldn't wrap my brain around it just yet.  I thought it was a movie trailer perhaps.  This couldn't be really happening. 

As I heard the familiar voices of the news anchors, my heart dropped.  I told Sue I'd have to call her back.

Kids were afraid to go to school, but there had been no cancellation notice, so I did the best I could and told them New York was a long way away, but I'd walk them to the school crossing where they would meet up with friends and go the rest of the way together. 

I went home, sank into my chair, and watched the news the rest of the day.  My boyfriend called from work, but I don't remember what we talked about. 

I could feel the growing angst that nothing would ever be quite the same again.  And I was right.

I was at work...a friend called to say a plane had hit the tower.  Little did we know what was about to happen next.

That event is like a few others in my life.  I'll never forget where I was and what I was doing.

Let us never forget.......ever!!!!!!!!

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I was online here at ch.com and also talking with Ted (one of the old cluster gang) on MSN Messenger.  I remember his terror because his dad lived right near the towers. 

I was at work during this and our whole office came to a stand still.  I remember talking to my mom on the phone and hearing her cry when the first tower started to fall - she could see folks jumping.  

The tears still come...it's like it was yesterday still.  When they reopened the airports days later, I remember being really scared of all the planes and worrying that each one might have an attack plan.

I was in my classroom teaching. My principal took me inthe hall and told me and I just said ok and went back to teaching. Then it hit me about 5 min. later what she said. I stood in front of the whole class, tongue tied took a deep breath and began a day of acting. We couldn't tell the kids. The board of ed. had decided this would be left to the parents. Within 30 min. our school went into lock down and parents came one by one to get their kids. My only reply as I escorted them to their parents was that you will remember this day forever (I was 5 when Kennedy was shot and will NEVER forget it) and your parents are here to take you home and they will explain. We had to escort each child to the parents, making sure they were never left alone.

Tomorrow we will have an assembly to remember those who lost their lives in such a tragedy. I am very proud of how my administration has handled this with our students.

Charlotte

Driving across Lake Pontchartrain Causeway on my way to work.

Upon first report of the incident I thought, this is not an accident. Before I got off of the bridge the second tower was hit which confirmed my worst fear.

Went to my Dad's house and watched the collapse in total amazement at the utter stupidity of the human animal.

I wonder if Allah was pleased.

Steve G

Not where I should have been 

Every time the anniversary of 9/11 rolls around, I'm reminded of one of our own - I'll call him G.

G contacted me about 5 years ago through the OUCH BB as he was looking for a recommendation for a new neuro. We got to exchanging e-mails, and finally decided to meet for coffee. The first thing I noticed about G was that he seems nervous, and as we got to talking, there was something missing, a void in him on which I could not put a finger.

After enjoying meeting each other and exchanging information, neruo's phone number, etc., we started talking like two guys just getting to know one another. It was time to step outside for a smoke, and the conversation continued. Eventually I found out that G's daughter, A, was near the very top of one of the WTC towers and perished in the attack.

It was A's first business trip to New York after graduating from college and securing a job with a company in Chicago.

I think G is still out there, and today has to be very difficult for him and his wife. He doesn't belong to ch.com, nor OUCH, but he suffers. And he's one of those guys who has a whole different dimension to his suffering.

Today I think of you, G.

Beautifully written Cat.  Give that man of your's a big thank you from me.

I was heading into my eye Dr for an appt to talk about this pain I have behind my eye.  Pre-diagnosis days ya know. 

Anyway, my wife called just before I got out of the car to tell me of the 1st plane.  I went in and we all speculated about an accident.  No one knew yet it had been an airliner.

Then she called to say a 2nd plane had hit.  Everything changed after that...

I went to work for an important meeting.  None of us could concentrate for the low flying F-15s overhead.  Finally we gave up and all went home.  I got there in time to see the towers fall. 

I just couldn't believe my eyes.  How could something so permenant fall to pieces.  How could the planners of it be so demented and inhuman?  I still ask myself these questions.

I remember the candlight vigle that followed.  That night the entire town stood out in front of their houses and held flames of rememberance.  I had kids to cart around and drove past thousands taking part. 

Hours later, well past dark, there was still one guy out in front of his house on a deserted side street.  He held the end of a once large candle now burned to a nub.  The wax drippings hung a full foot below his hand and tears streamed down his face.

-Dennis-

.

I remember it starting out as one of the most beautiful days.

We must never forget.   

Beth