For many of us living in the States, whether American or of other nationality, Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was the darkest day in our history. On this 8th anniversary, I still feel anxiety. You see, my hubby was supposed to be at the World Trade Center with his team of software consultants; but, at the last minute, they were sent to California, first, then were to go to New York the next day.
I've lived in war-torn countries, traveled during the hijack era when there was a bomb reported on my plane, and have been through a number of dangerous situations in my life. But, 9/11 was the worst, even though I was 2000 miles away. I think that the fact that my hubby was, by some miracle of fate, diverted from danger, makes me still feel that inexplicable combination of fear, anxiety and gratitude. He had already "missed" the 1993 bomb blast in the parking basement of the Marriott between the Towers. (We both used to travel to the Towers on business.)
At first, I felt compelled to write my story about that day. It would be for the umpteenth time, and it would still shake my bones to do so; I still get palpitations. There are so many more poignant personal stories from that day from people who were there. Instead, I wanted to ask if there are events in your life that, no matter how much time has passed, still shake you? How do you deal with it? Do you journal? Do you call someone? Do you pray? What do you do?
I vowed to never forget...not the victims, our friends or colleagues, not the heroes, not the day.
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Alysia,
You and your husband were saved that day. I don't think it's luck--it has to be more than that. To manage to escape such a dark and deadly day. You must look at life in a whole different light. I'm so sorry if you lost any friends that day.
The 9/11 terrorist attack is something I look back to 8 years later and still get chills, sadness, anger, and sorrow-- a very strong, disturbing mix of emotions. My husband is from New York but I don't know anyone who may have been in the twin towers or a relative. Still, it's such a tragic event. When I look at videos of people hanging from windows, running from the collspsing towers, crying on the floor, and hear stories of the innocent people on the hijacked airplanes, I can't help but feel their sadness and their loved ones grief. I look at these people and think 'they could be my brother, my father, my sister, my mother, my friend, my son'.
Then there's the aftermath of it all-- More and more people are now dead due to the war this has caused. And that's why I always dread Sept. 11.
September 13, 2009 - 6:11amThis Comment