I stirred out of my sleep, peeked over my pillow at the clock and listened to the serious-toned voice of the radio DJ as he spoke something people could scarcely believe that was happening in New York.
Something felt weird. It was really quiet. My feet felt the carpet, I opened my door, and, hearing the TV on in my parent’s bedroom, I turned to see my mom watching it in silence.
Massive plumes of smoke were choking their way out of one of the twin towers. Reporters were firing off what they knew, but for one long moment, it was just that scene. No words.
It’s the first thing I remember about that day.
As we all look back, there is still so much emotional resonance. (Was it really seven years ago?) The images, the faces, the stories of bravery, and last-minute phone calls will always stay with us. That day bore witness to what real darkness looks like in our world, the heart of evil. But in its midst rose the things that buoy the human spirit – courage, triumph, love, undeniable hope.
Everyone grappled for something to hope for that day. For something or someone to lock eyes with and be comforted by.
What hope did you find in September 11th? What do you remember about the events and emotions of that day?
Related reading: My son was a NYPD officer during September 11. This is my story, of that day and everything that came afterwards.
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September 12th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I remember being woken up by my husband that morning as he got ready to go to work. He had the tv on, and told me to watch. That first moment of shock that hit me when I saw the images of the planes hitting the towers never left me that day. All day at work, I was glued to the internet, watching live video feeds and reports. The despair gradually gave way to wonder - at the triumph of the human spirit, the courage, how a nation was able to unite. At that moment, we were all the same, mourning the loss and bringing comfort to each other. Even though it took such a tragedy, it gave me tremendous hope that we as humans are capable of overcoming our differences and banding together for a common goal.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Funny how we all remember that day….I remember hearing my clock radio coming on and the first thing was……another plane just flew into the World Trade Center……..
I am not a morning person but that morning I moved so fast as I grabbed the remote and turned the tv on just in time to see the first tower collapsing. There was such a feeling of disbelief-how could this happen. Will people make it out alive? Who could have done this?
Tragedy touches us all which is why we probably all remember when we heard that fateful day.