My son was only 4 months old. I’d been up a few times during the night and was tired. I had him in my arms when I walked out to the kitchen to hear my husband in the living room.
“Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit…” he said over and over again.
I entered the room and he pointed, now speechless, at the television. A jet had just flown into the North tower of the World Trade Center in New York City and a few minutes later the second tower was also hit.
It’s weird because I have no memory of my husband watching the news any other morning. I guess he must’ve. It’s unbelievable now to think that there were no cell phones, laptops, or reliable internet. It was a different time and space for sure.
That morning, we also learned of the Pentagon crash and the passengers who fought with the high-jackers. It was a day of terror, and unknowns as we all waited for another shoe to drop. Planes stopped flying. Stories continued to be told and the world, slowly stepped back from the shock and began to mourn.
As we watched TV, we knew something was forever changed. In that instant the world lost its innocence and a different kind of terror, hatred, and revenge-seeking started as we learned words like jihad.
We were glued to the news for at least a week. They played the crash scenes and aftermath, over and over again. It was devastating and so ugly, but it was even harder to look away.
What were you doing that morning? Do you remember?
I remember seeing pictures of people pouring from the buildings as the firefighters and first responders ran in –bless them. They were heroes that day, and always will be.
The world continued to morph and change after the 9-11 attacks as technology advanced and the 24 hour news cycle beat stories to death while constantly seeking fresh fodder. The divisiveness has grown along with the hatred and fear of those who look, dress, worship, or speak differently. The fallout was far and wide.
It was just twenty years ago. Tell me your memories and how you think it affected the world.
My prayers and thoughts are with all those impacted–directly and, indirectly.
Thank you for reading and remembering September 11, 2001. Because it is the weekend I’ll list my last weeks blogs here in case you missed them. They’re all pretty dang good–even if I say so myself. So go read them. That would be awesome.
Labour Day: A Discussion of the History and Today
What are You Grateful For? Tell me.
Whimsical, Wacky, Wonderful Wednesday
Checking in on My Creative Buds. How’re You Doing?
Short Stories: The Mundane, The Hideous, The UnThinkable.
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I was 18, taking classes at the local community college and didn’t have a class until 11 so I decided to sleep in. However my mom called from work and told me to turn on the TV. As the picture came into view I saw a speck in the upper corner grow bigger and bigger and then watched in horror as the 2nd plane hit the South Tower. I was….confused, horrified, terrified….who hated us this much?? Why was God allowing this? I had so many thoughts racing through my mind.
I went to class and as the professor stood up to talk he paused and then told us “Class dismissed. I can’t stand here and teach you when our nation is under attack.”
20 years later….I will never forget.
Oh Leigh! As I read this shivers ran down my arms and I want to reach out to that 18 year old and give her a hug. I think that was probably the main thing–shock! Like you, I’ll never forget. It changed the world.
Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate it. xo
My sister called and told me to turn on the TV. As you said, Faye, I was very tense for weeks after waiting g for the next shoe to drop. My blood pressure was up I’m sure.
Hey Heather. Yes, we were all glued to the TV for sure. The memories are so vivid. Hugs. xoxo
It was not morning for me. It was close to 7 pm and I was in west Pakistan. It changed our lives.
About two weeks later, we invaded your home in Penticton, Faye, having evacuated Pakistan.
Nancy
Oh man. I remember being terrified for all of you. Your world never looked the same.