Saturday, September 10, 2011

Where Were You?

September 11, 2001

It’s a date that MOST of us will never forget.  One of those moments you remember forever.  You probably remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news. 

I was at home in the basement apartment we lived in at the time, 8 months pregnant with K.  It was early in the morning, 7 something.  Yes, that’s early for me and I wasn’t used to being up that early. 

Anthony had already left for work and I was up because my dad needed a ride to the airport that morning.  He was meeting me at my house. 

Since he hadn’t arrived yet, I decided to turn the TV on until he got there.  As soon as it turned on, there was the image of the massive hole in the side of the first tower where the plane had hit.  I was confused.  What a crazy freak accident, I thought.  And how tragic. 

As I watched the live coverage, the newscasters didn’t make any mention of terrorists or hijackings or anything of the sort.  I believe they, too, thought it to be just a freak accident. 

And then it happened.  I watched as the second plane came into view on the TV screen and head right toward the second tower. 

I couldn’t believe it. 

My dad showed up around that time and we watched for just a few minutes more as the newscasters voice got more serious and panic stricken. 

What was happening?  I know it’s naïve and foolish of me to have thought that this was just a majorly coincidental incident.  Two planes, two towers!  It was a freak accident, nothing more. 

Then my dad made mention of terrorists.  Again, naïve and foolish… Terrorists?  What’s that?

I asked the words out loud.  My dad explained what it meant and I couldn’t believe it.  How had I gone a full 21 years of my life and not known that there were other countries out there that had it out for America?  Foolish, I know. 

It was time to leave for the airport and I was scared.  There were airplanes being hijacked and hitting massive buildings!  My dad was about to be ON a plane bound for a business trip.  And if I remember right, he was headed in that direction.  I asked him if he really wanted me to take him and jokingly said, “They probably won’t fly anyone else today.” 

My dad assured me that flights would still take place and he would be fine.  So, I drove him to the airport. 

The timing and placement of the other two planes {Pentagon and somewhere in Pennsylvania?} are kind of a blur.  I don’t remember how long after the Twin Towers were hit that those hijackings took place.  I remember hearing about them because I was glued to the TV/radio all of that day, I just don’t remember at what point. 

All I know is that I was nervous knowing that my dad would be flying.  However, no sooner had I walked back into my little apartment after dropping him off, than the phone rang.  It was my dad letting me know that he needed me to come back and get him.  They would NOT be flying.  The whole country was grounded. 

What a relief! 

I can’t even imagine how many more hijackings were planned for that day. 

Yesterday, as I was driving to Target for some essentials {toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, etc.}, on the radio they were playing tributes to all the 9/11 victims. 

I was a giant BOOB!  Seriously, I cried the whole way there.  I looked like an babbling idiot walking into Target. 

So many sad stories.  So many heroes!  So much to be grateful for. 

Although I have no direct ties to anyone directly involved in the 9/11 attacks, my heart aches at the thought of so many children losing parents and for anyone that lost ANY loved one that day. 

 

Where were you when you heard the news?

 

8 comments:

Judy Haughton-James said...

I was in Jamaica and saw what was happening on television! It was so frightening. I hope something like this never happens again! My latest post is about 9/11. My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones. Take care and my best wishes to you and your family.
Judy

Michael Ann Riley said...

Hi Brooke. Thank you for sharing your memories of 9-11. Wild that your dad was going to be on an airplane that day. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near an airport either.

I was home sick with the flu. My kids were small and a friend of mine had taken them for the morning so I could rest (bless her heart). I watched the whole thing unfold on t.v. like so many others.

Kristin said...

I was a freshman and I watched the t.v. as soon as I got to my first class. I also saw the second plane hit the tower and was shocked. I have since, and still do, get choked up when I hear stories or see things that bring back memories. Thanks for sharing!

mare said...

hi, new follower from the weekend gathering hop, I will never forget.
luv
mare
http://mare-itsjustmebeingme.blogspot.com/2011/09/911-10-years-later-and-we-will-never.html

Working Mommy said...

I was still in high school...close to where an attack took place. One story that will always stay with me in that my best friend's father was supposed to be at the Pentagon that morning at 8a. He woke up late - for the first time in his entire career he was late for work. He ended up going into another office that morning instead of the Pentagon. It really makes you thankful for your guardian angel...that's for sure!

WM

Brooke said...

Thank you all for sharing with me. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Anthony and I have been watching old footage and documentaries all day long. Not fun but it's a great reminder of patriotism and reminds me all over again that America is the greatest!

Dana said...

I was at home just getting up when I turned on the television. There it was all over the news. I watched as the second plane hit and couldn't believe it. I called your dad as you were about to take him to the airport. Yes he was headed back east. I was afraid to let him anywhere near planes. The rest is history. Such a sorrowful time as it still touches me deep in my soul. I too cry whenever I see the stories surrounding 9/11. So proud to be an American!

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

I appreciated you post. What an unreal and tragic day. Though I loved how the country came together afterward. My heart and prayers still go out to those who lost loved ones and for those who continue to serve our country.