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Thursday, September 11, 2008

9/11/01


On September 11, 2001, I was on my way to school with my younger sister. As we cruised to school, we were listening to the radio. The deejay came on and said, "Get a load of this! Some jokester is saying there was a terrorist attack at the World Trade Center towers in NYC." I heard the deejay, but I didn't think anything of it. Terriorist attack? Yeah right.

Once we were at school and into about 3rd period, the principal came over the PA system and told us all the news. I remember my immediate reaction was fear. And the fear never went away. I snuck into my teacher's office and called my mom. She was already watching the TV.

Over the next few days, we all were glued to the TV. I don't know that we ever turned it off. It seemed that things kept getting worse and worse. We all knew we would never be the same. And we aren't.

So today I will reflect. I will reflect on my freedoms. I am so blessed to live in a place where my boys and I can go to the park and sit under the trees and feel safe. Go ahead and really think about that. In other places in the world, you wouldn't be able to do that.

Where were you on 9/11?

As a side note, start thinking about voting. Make your choices. Both candidate's websites have their opinions on the main issues listed. Be a responsible voter. People died for the right to have you vote and have a say in your government. If you don't vote, you don't get to complain.

For John McCain's opinions on the issues, click here.
For Barack Obama's opinions on the issues, click here.

12 comments:

Rae said...

We were in the process of moving and had to watch the news on a teeny tv because all of our big ones were packed up. We drove cross country on the 12th and listened to NPR the whole way. It was the most surreal experience. God Bless America!

Sweet Pea Chef said...

I was working on Capitol Hill. My boss's fiancee saw the plane hit the Pentagon from the balcony of the Capitol. She immediately called him and re ran into a meeting I was having and said, "grab your purse and get the hell out of here. NOW." I was so fortunate...I was able to leave before DC was gridlock. I hopped into the car, taking a friend who lived downtown with me to my Northern Virginia home. We were praying the whole way. When we passed the Pentagon (next to 395 which I drove to get home), the fire trucks were just arriving, tons of Pentagon workers were running out of the building and onto the freeway (no where else to go) and well, it was just a sight I don't think I will ever, ever, ever forget. As many times as I have thought about it, I still get chills every. single. time.

[Morgan] said...

i was getting ready for work. i was listening to a morning talk show on the radio while doing so. i couldn't believe what i was hearing. i had to turn on the tv and check every news station just to make sure it was real. then i saw the footage. and i will never be the same. even now when i think of it, my mind travels to people trapped under rubble, locked in stairways, and their fear, those passengers on the plain who knew what was happening, and my thoughts move to their families and their heartache.
it's so true what you say about the freedoms we have, taking your boys to the park. can you imagine being a mother in any other country, mothers in completely different circumstances. we truly are blessed. thanks for the post!

[Morgan] said...

oh, and i thought i would tell you- i had someone ask me the other day if i really know Rookie Cookie or if i'm just a reader who dares comment. WOW! you're are FAMOUS baby!

Mal Robin said...

I was sitting in Mr. Lockwood's 7th grade science class, he got a call then turned on the TV. I remember not understanding what was going on. Its like I didnt understand what a terrorist attack was. At first I could not see why everyone was so upset, the tv announcer was not making any sense to me. Then my teacher explained and it sunk in. Yes, your right, we have never been the same again. My heart is with the family's of loved ones who died in the buildings and planes. Also, families of those brave people who went into help. And, of course we can not forget to thank those who serve our country. They have given up time in their lives or in many cases their lives to help us all feel safe. Im also grateful to the families of those people, for letting their loved ones go so I can be with mine. I dont understand what its like to not be free, I pray I never have to. I owe all of this freedom to so many people.

Jodi Jean said...

i couldn't stop thinking about it yesterday as i was going about my day ... playing with aidan at the park ... pre-admitting myself to the hospital ... normal stuff.

i was in college, i walked past the common room and saw tons of people gathered around the tv, which was strange. but i was late so i headed to class. then my teacher was like "because of what happened, we're just going to talk instead of what i had planned" and i was like ... "talk about WHAT?!" then i heard the news.

i never really watched anything on tv, because we didn't have one in my dorm ... but i heard about it.

robby's story is much more interesting (and actually he can't really talk about it) he was in the marines at the time and working in the com-center ... he dealt with intelligene and had a top-secret clearance, so he was right there on the intelligence side of everything.

Jodi Jean said...

and we are truly blessed for the freedoms we enjoy ... i think too many people take that for granted. i know SO many men and women who have put their lives on the line to protect those freedoms.

Jodi Jean said...

haha ... i keep thinking of madness to say ... we'll be keeping your family in our prayers today!!! and honestly, give me a call if you need ANYTHING!!

heather said...

i was in rexburg, ID. my mom called & woke up our apartment with the news. we didn't have a t.v. so my roommates and I woke up the girls next door & we all watched the news in shock. classes were cancelled that day.

ps. tell your husband good luck today from heather & ryan. we know he'll do fine & pull through. this is going to really help in the long run (from someone whose had A LOT of surgeries). we're thinking about you guys!

Par said...

I was looking out the window as the tower fell down. Shock and couldn't believe what I saw.

whitneyingram said...

Thank you everyone for your comments. I really enjoyed reading them. To anyone else who hasn't commented yet, please do so. It is interesting that no matter who you are or where you are, we were all affected.

Laurel said...

A little late I know. I just came across your site this weekend and I am really enjoying it... I guess I am a "stalker". On 9-11-01, I was at work - which is for a large private school - Each of my children attend, which was nice that day, because I was able to be right there with them. I was sitting at my desk when the secretary called me about the first plane. At that point, no one was sure if it was terrorist yet. Then as the morning progressed, the fear and safety we all felt changed. It was a solemn day. We went on lock down. And I remember for months afterward, we were humbled each time a plane flew overhead. My husband is a firefighter, so we were even more in touch with the fear and pain that took place that day.

Thank you for posting.