Where Were You?

I don't know about you, but I can recall the day and events of 9/11/01 just like it happened yesterday. Though 12 years have come and gone since then, I can still envision myself at that very moment those horrific events took place. I was living at home with my parents then and laying in bed when the phone rang. Just like any young adult, I slowly made my way into the kitchen and answered the telephone. It was my Mom on the other end. Her exact words to me "What day did you have circled on your calendar?" Me "the 19th, why?" Mom..."Well IT happened today!" Not knowing exactly what she meant by those words, I could sense the panic in her voice. She then said "Go turn the TV on now!" I run into the living room, phone in hand and immediately do what my Mom said. Still not knowing what is going on, I come to the first channel. They are reporting live from New York state in Manhattan. The camera is zoomed in on a large and tall standing building. I see nothing but smoke and flames. It wasn't until then that I noticed the caption at the bottom of the screen. It simply reads "World Trade Center" This was shortly before 9:00am. My Mom tells me that people believe an airplane has flown into the building. There are reports coming in that an air plane was high jacked, and it is believed that this plane flew into the building, but local authorities have not yet confirmed. I stand in the living room still holding the phone and trying to gather what all my Mom is saying to me. Then at 9:03am, I watch as some sort of air craft flies into the 2nd building. It is hard to believe, but we can now assume this is definitely not an accident, but an act of terror. No words are spoken. Fear has now consumed us. My Mom tells me to go and get my younger sister, Michelle, out of school and bring her home for the day. I get dressed and do exactly what she says. I arrive at Vance High School and go inside. There is literally a line out the door of parents waiting to check their kids out.
From there, my sister and I go home not knowing what could happen next. It didn't seem to matter what state you lived in. No one felt safe. For me, it was un-imaginable that someone could perform these indespicable acts, much less hate someone so much that they felt this was necessary. As my sister and I sit and watch, more and more reports start to come in. By now, both the World Trade towers have now collapsed and New York is in a state of panic. Washington has ordered that all planes be grounded until further notice. An air craft has now crashed into the Pentagon, car bombs have gone off and what was considered to be the 4th plane (Flight 93) speculated to crash into the US Capital, has now crashed into the ground in Shanksville, PA. I wish I could explain all the emotions that were felt that very day. My heart was breaking for all of those who lives had now been taken. The terrorists had gotten what they wanted. Americans lives had now been altered. They had forever changed us. Life in America would never be the same.
I remember the events to follow within the upcoming days. Never before had I ever really paid attention to the President when he came on TV. Now, it was as if I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I wanted to hear what he had to say. America wanted to know what action(s) would take place because of these events that had now happened. America simply wanted answers. I can still see all the flags at half mast. Everywhere you went, there was something to remind you. There was no escaping what had happened. It was because of these acts, however that I have never seen more acts of kindness. I saw people lining up to give blood. I remember everyone thanking there local police and fire departments for all that they do. People seemed to be a little more friendly. Even though someone had taken so much from us, we were still willing to give. It is my prayer that as the years go by, we will remember. I think it is important for our children to know what happened on that day. Some may be to young to understand, but once they are older, I think they should know. May that day never be forgotten.
I said earlier that when my Mom called, her first words to me were "what day did you have circled on your calendar?" Earlier that year, a vision had come to me. I don't know how to explain it or much less put it into words. I just know that I have NEVER had such a feeling come over me like that before. You can ask any of my close friends and family and they will all tell you the same. I was obsessed with the date and number 919. I had the date 9/19/01 circled on my calendar in bright red. I could sense that something horrible was going to happen. I just had no clue as to what. I don't know why this date or number stood out to me, but it did, and I knew it was no good. Perhaps, those things that I saw coming just came a little sooner. They happened on, Tuesday 9/11/01. That day will forever be apart of me.
Today I want to take the time to remember all those who lost their lives on that day. I want to remember all the families that were affected by these events. I also want to take the time to thank those willing to sacrifice their lives so that others could be saved. I pray that Flight 93 will for always be remembered for their acts of courage. May that day never be forgotten.
Like the lyrics of Alan Jackson's song...Where were you when the world stop turning on that September day?