Looking back from my corner of the Northeast, fourteen years later, I still experience many of the emotions I felt on the day it all happened.
September 11, 2001
The day the World Trade Centers as we knew them ceased to exist, the Pentagon got hit, and ordinary people did 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.
My boss came in and asked me if I knew what was happening. I didn’t. He turned on the radio, and we pulled up coverage on the computer since there was 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 in the middle of all that chaos and insanity. Then it dawned on me that my best friend, who had 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. Relief had me sagging in my chair. Nevertheless, the lingering question of “Did I know anyone who died?” still haunts me at times. It’s a question I’ll probably never have answered. Truthfully, I’m not sure I want it answered. Still, the thought lingers like an insubstantial ghost.
When does the sadness end?
As I sit here at work fourteen years later, taking time out of a wildly busy production schedule to deal with the emotional aftereffects of a day that rocked the nation, I wonder, when does the sadness end?
I answer myself as I always do. It never does. As long as my memory functions, I will never forget the fear, pain, panic, shock, and feelings of utter helplessness. Nor will I forget the building rage.
I won’t forget everyone who died. Unsuspecting victims. Civilians who stepped up in a time of overwhelming need. Military members. Fire and rescue personnel. EMS and first responders. Police officers. Service animals. 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