This picture is from June of 1996 - who knew that capturing the towers in the background would be important only a few years later.
My 9/11 story is not particularly exciting or unique or memorable. On that morning I was at school teaching Math to 7th graders and knew nothing of what was happening until after both towers had been hit. I walked through the teacher's lounge and glanced at the television to see smoke billowing out of the towers; I stopped to see what was happening and was stunned upon hearing the basics of the story. At that point I went back to my classroom, got my phone, and went outside to start calling family members since I wanted to make sure I knew where everyone was (particularly Mom who had been traveling off and on for several months and had mentioned going to New York City). It took a while, but I finally got through to everyone. When I got home that afternoon I turned on the tv and just sat and watched...and watched and watched. I couldn't take my eyes off of it for days. On Thursday we knew that Tropical Storm Gabrielle was headed our way and she hit us head on Friday. It was a relief when the power went out because then I couldn't watch tv any more.
There's no real reason for this (I had no personal connection to anyone in New York, Pennsylvania, or DC), but I was a mess for months. I found myself crying for no reason, snapping at people who didn't deserve it, and my poor sleeping habits got even worse.
However, I found such inspiration in the heroism and patriotism surrounding that day and the days, weeks, and months that followed. Heroism in the form of the First Responders, the coworkers, the members of the church that survived and became a sanctuary for the weary and the mourning and the rescue workers, and people from all over the world who banded together to help in any way they could. The way we banded together as a country was beautiful. People from all walks of life worked together, prayed together, and held each other up in this time of crisis. I have always loved this country and the way we came together gave me such hope.
Always remember. Never forget. Love one another. Help each other. Hold each other up.
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