FREE Standard Shipping on Orders $69+ with code:
FREESHIPPING
Cheers
Give a Cheer
Give a Cheer
Journaling:
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I went to work at USG Corporation like any other day. At 9:45 a.m. I was listening to Eric and Kathy on WTMX in my office. Suddenly they announced a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. They didn’t have a lot of information so I just assumed it was a small private airplane. Soon after they announced another plane crashed into the second tower. I remember thinking that was very strange, the two planes must have collides and hit the towers…but what where the chances of two planes hitting the towers? I never suspected terrorism.
My co-workers and I were shocked to find out commercial airplanes were hijacked for the crashes. Next we heard the news about the Pentagon. What the heck was going on? My friend and co-worker Brynn, was upset. She spoke to her mother, who had a horrible feeling that something happened to her son, Kevin (Brynn’s brother), who worked at the Pentagon. (Brynn’s father, Phil, also worked with us).
We were then told we had the option to leave work since the USG Building was kitty corner from the Sear’s Tower and a possible target. I told my staff that they could go and that I was leaving. Not long after the entire city was evacuated. I remember the chaos at Union Station. If a plane would have hit the Sear’s Tower all of the people, including myself, that would be crushed in the rubble.
Meanwhile, it turned out that Kevin was on the side of the Pentagon that was hit. He was the only person in his division that survived the blast. Over 42% of his body was burnt. They were not sure he would survive. I watched Phil and Brynn’s pets (two dogs and a cat – bringing our total to 4 dogs and a cat) when they left for Washington.
We didn’t work the next couple of days. I remember taking the dogs for a walk and not hearing any planes. We live nine miles away from O’Hare airport in Chicago- so this was extremely unusual. I recall the eerie feeling. It was creepy. I felt like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone.
When we went back to work everyone knew I was talking to Brynn and Phil so people were constantly asking me how everything was with Kevin. I was surprised how much that stressed me out. I felt like I was reliving the experience every time I talked about it. Plus, things were touch and go with Kevin. They were not sure he would make it. I felt so horrible for them. What he was going through. One of the nurses told them that only once did she see a burn patient that was as positive and upbeat as Kevin and that he survived. Kevin did survive with a long and painful recovery.
I had to fly to Boston for work soon after September 11, with a co-worker, Cliff Black. I remember how crazy the heightened security was at the airports but being okay with it. My bra set of the metal detectors – how embarrassing – could I be groped a little more in public. On our flight to Boston, an Arab gentleman, sat next to me, he was reading from a book written in a different language. I remember having a panic attack and hating myself for it simultaneously. I thought he must feel more uncomfortable then me. There is no way he was a terrorist. I didn’t want to profile. Eventually flying became easier again.
I was happy that our country became united over this experience. I was glad that it made us stronger. Before September 11, I felt that a lot of people were taking our country for granted and bashing the US. That changed after that day. So I guess some good came out of it. Although you wished it never happened, all those innocent people - lives changes forever.
No products have been added to this project.
Thanks for spreading positivity!
October 08, 2007
January 15, 2007
January 14, 2007