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#1145 | Monday, April 1st 2002
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I was so afraid. I didn't know what to do. I was just lost. Peace be with you.
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Trisha | 32 | Indiana
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#1097 | Saturday, March 23rd 2002
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I was at home on vacation when I received a telephone call from my mother telling me that a plane had hit the World Trade Centre. She was receiving the new via radio as I immediately turned the TV to CNN for the news. I watched in bewilderment as the first plane hit the WTC.
I called a friend to find out if she had heard and as we were discussing the different scenarios of what could have caused it, the second plane hit. At that point I knew it was deliberate. I stopped talking and stayed glued to the TV for hours, well into the evening.
I remember tears coming as I saw the fire and smoke coming from the two buildings and I prayed for the people who were suffering. I remembered going through so many emotions and wondering how such anger could exist in a world that had move so far away from destroying itself time and time again.
I wanted to know everything that was happening, who did it, why…everything. Even thought I am a Barbadian, I felt like my family was personally attacked that morning. That pain will forever be with me.
I followed the events for that entire day and even though enormous life was lost, I was relieved when all planes were grounded and no more planes had crashed. I watched CNN, ABC, FOX and BBC for almost 24 hours that day, slept for a few hours and then stayed glued to the TV for the rest of the next day, switching from channel to channel to get different angels of the story. That was my routine for the rest of that week. I wanted to understand how such a thing could happen and who could do such a thing. Who could have such hatred in they heart that the lives of thousands of innocents were meaningless and worthless? I wanted answers to these questions.
I still get chills thinking about the footage of those planes hitting the buildings. As long as I live September 11 will bring sadness to my heart.
May God forgive and bless us all.
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Vernon | 32 | Barbados
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#1077 | Wednesday, March 20th 2002
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I was in a meeting somewhere near Helsinki. I only heard about the attacs at 6 pm, nine hours after it had happened. I saw it on tv at the lobby. At first I thought it was just another trailer. But no. So much can happen without you knowing. And your world just goes on.
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Maria | 32 | Finland
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#1011 | Thursday, March 14th 2002
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I was in bed asleep. My son Connor, 6, and daughter Lena, 3, were snuggled in next to me. The phone rang, not unusual as my husband works at sea, and often calls when he is within range and able to phone. Jason told me to turn on the TV. I can't remember his words, only the serious sound of his voice. I found myself in shock as I watched the scenes unravel. I remember thinking it couldn't be. Tears came, no sound. My son woke next. I knew I couldn't hide the reality was he would find out soon enough. I explained the best I could, and Connor wanted to know why. "Why mama?" I woke Charity, 16, asleep in her room. She came in sleepy eyed, and was soon wide awake caught in the horror on the TV. A fitting question from one so young..."Why?"
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Patricia | 32 | Alaska
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#960 | Monday, March 11th 2002
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When I woke up that Tuesday morning a report I heard on my clock radio stated a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. At first it sounded as if it was an accident, much like what happened when a bomber crashed into the Empire State Building by accident during World War II. I showered, dressed, and went to work. I only have a four minute commute to the high school where I teach Social Studies at, so I did not get more information from the radio.
I was still thinking accident when another teacher came into my office and said the other tower had been hit, My only response was an expletive. Our department decided to put a television in the study area for students to watch the news. I put a sign under the TV letting students know there was counseling in the main office. I watched as young people held hands, hugged, and cried. We all know it was not an accident, but an evil act perpetrated on innocent people. The bell rang and I had to go to class.
After the first part of class I asked my study hall if they would like to go to the study area to watch the news. They said yes. Before we left we shared the news and rumors we had all heard.
When we got to the study area a crowd had gathered. My first thought as I watched the horrifying images on TV was, where's the other tower? As if he read my mind a student said it had collapsed. I was in shock. Then on TV the second tower fell. That's when I cried. I didn't know if people had gotten out. I was thinking that it could be America's bloodiest day. that it could be worse than the 23,000 lost at Antietam during the Civil War.
After hearing that the Pentagon was hit and another plane crashed in Pennsylvania, but may have been targeting our President, I was worried for my country. Some group was trying to decapitate my government. We were at war. I looked at all the young faces around me and I could see their fear mixed with anger and frustration. We were unable to act, we could only watch. I left the room to call a friend of mine. As we talked we discussed how we were at the Monday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos at the New Mile High Stadium the night before. It sounds selfish now, but it was an eerie feeling knowing we were at a nationally televised event with 76,000 other targets. It was chilling to us. The day's events sure made sports far less significant. We finished our conversation and I hung up the phone. I called my Mom and Dad and told them both I loved them, I couldn't think of anything else to do.
The rest of the day I absorbed the news, and tried to teach, but my and the student's hearts were not in it. Students asked me if they would be drafted. A few kids had parents or other relatives in New York or in Washington, DC. One girl's brother was already overseas with the United States Marine Corps. I only wish I had the answers and words that would ease their fear and pain.
On my off hour I listened to Tony Blair's speech and was heartened that our country had such a great friend and ally that is Great Britain. I made sure to print out copies of Blair's and President Bush's speeches to use later.
When I got home my Australian cousin, Ross, called me from Sydney. We talked about the day's events and other things and he made a joke that the only time he ever calls is when disaster strikes. One of the last times he called was just after Columbine. He assured me the Australian people were with us and we left it at that.
That night I stood outside and watched the stars. It was strange not hearing planes, not seeing contrails in the twilight, or flashing beacons up in the sky. By this time shock and fear were gone, I was angry. That anger has now turned to resolve. We will win.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families as well as the brave men and women defending us overseas.
God Bless America
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Christian | 32 | Colorado
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