Looking back from my corner of the Northeast, fourteen years later, I still experience many of the emotions I felt on the the day it all happened. September 11, 2001…the day that the World Trade Centers as we knew them ceased to exist; the day the Pentagon got hit; the day when ordinary people decided to do whatever it took to prevent yet another plane from hitting our nation’s Capitol.
I was at work for what promised to be another busy day in the office getting a slew of things ready for a client’s annual conference; production was in full tilt during that month. I remember my boss coming in, and asking me if I knew what was happening. I didn’t; he turned on the radio and then we pulled up coverage on the computer (no TV in the office). Both of us sat there in shock…neither of us could really process what was going on. When it finally filtered through my disbelieving brain what was happening, I felt for all the people who were right in the middle of all the chaos and insanity. Then it dawned on me…my best friend – the one who’d been my bestie since freshman year in high school – worked in New York. At that point the panic hit…it was hours before we could get in touch and she could reassure me that she was fine. That was a huge relief! But even now, the lingering question of “did I know anyone who died?” still haunts me at times; more so on the anniversary date each year than any other time. It’s a question I’ll probably never have answered – truthfully, that I’m not sure I want answered – but the thought lingers like an insubstantial ghost.
As I’m sitting here at work, fourteen years later, and once again taking time out of a crazy busy production schedule to deal with the emotional aftereffects of 9/11, I can’t help but wonder: when does the sadness end? And I answer myself as I always do – it never does. As long as my memory functions, I will never forget. I won’t forget the fear, the pain, the panic, the shock, the feelings of utter helplessness – and then the feelings of building rage. I won’t forget everyone who died, whether they were unsuspecting victims; civilians who stepped up; military; fire/rescue; EMS; police; service animals; or anyone who assisted with SAR. Nor will I forget the generosity of a nation of PEOPLE who banded together to help in whatever way they could in the days and years following the terrorist attacks.
I remember 9/11. And I will #NeverForget