today's daily blog
is a first for Glynis
i am thrilled that she has
contributed to our nest
I am wondering what you all think:
by Glynis
Did people who live in the NYC area feel more pain after 9/11 than the rest of the country? I am not talking about those people who were actually IN the city during the attacks, but people who live in the suburbs. Did they get affected more by this attack than someone in Los Angeles?
I never really thought about this before because I was so deeply affected by the attacks and I was living near Seattle. As far as I was concerned, they attacked the whole country~ not a city. And let us not forget that planes went down in DC and PA. Do the people in the East think that the people in the West don't think about this on a daily basis? That the people in the South aren't afraid to go on a plane or to the top of a tall building?
For that fact, did they only attack the USA... or did they attack all westernized countries that day? Do Canadians and Europeans feel like they were also attacked in a sense? By making all of us feel like "it could have been my city that they struck" did the terrorists strike all of us by putting fear into our minds?
What are your thoughts? Do the 9/11 attacks still affect you everyday, or have you moved on?
136 comments:
Happy Monday!!
Hi everyone!
GLYNIS: I remember 9/11 as if it happened yesterday. I was watching TV with my mom, and they broke into the program to show a plane "off course" in New York City. We watched in horror as that plane hit the World Trade Center. I don't think we left the TV for hours after that. I called family and friends to tell them to turn on the TV. It was only 6am in Phoenix. I don't know how many times I cried that day, watching the news coverage.
I live in the state with the biggest Nuclear Power Plant in the United States. Although I try not to dwell on it, because in reality what could I really do if something happened? I couldn't run fast enough or far enough. But before 9/11...I never thought I'd have to worry about running at all.
Hi LOVEY!! Congrats on first! I am now off to bed. Enjoy your day everyone.
Good Morning Owls, Gm Zona.
Thanks so much for today's blog Glynis.
I needed to get more coffee before commenting.
I'm Canadian, but I felt ALL of America,was hit.
I went through every emotion imaginable for what seemed like eternity.
I all honesty,I can't say I never thought something like that would happen,however I was in shock when it did.
I don't want to live my life in fear.
I don't like fear or being afraid of anything or anyone.
I have a strong faith in God, and I know when my number is up, regardless of how,it is HIS decision.
I also believe nothing happens without a purpose or lesson.
Zonababy, I missed you sweetheart!
Lovey, great to see you again.
Glynis great blog!
I will comment more later!
Good Morning Nesters
♥lovey♥
Congrats on First!
zona
Always for you happy blue
iteach
♥♥♥♥ For you, just cause
Hi, Glynis and all the owls!
Very thought-provoking blog today! I think 9/11 was an attack on the Western world in general. Fundamentalist muslims want the world to live under a fascist theocracy based on their application of one particular religion and its tenets.
Somehow, they feel that an entity of some sort is in existence that cares that humans worship and conduct their lives in one way only, and fascist religious theocracies are simply instruments to carry out "his" wishes.
Western democracies are the antithesis of this view... they tolerate (and in some cases encourage) a plurality of views, lifestyles, personal choices, and religions.
Can't have that, says the fundamental Muslim, so the US, as the most powerful and visible and wealthy of those democracies, was attacked.
I try to be totally over 9/11, which is helped along because I was lucky enough not to know someone personally who was a victim. But in the larger sense, being "over" 9/11 is a deliberate decision. I think we should all try to put it in perspective and live our lives pretty much the same way we did before. If we don't... if we continue to give it a great deal of prominence in our foreign and domestic policies, we put our very way of life at economic risk.
Which is a big part of what the 9/11 masterminds intended. And with the economic debacle that is the Iraq war, a big part of what they managed to accomplish.
Morning Glories!
Lovey Got First!!!
Glynis great questioning blog.
I do remember that day vividly! I will never forget feeling a sense of outrage, sorrow and violation. I do remember thinking the World would never be the same.
For a long time the 9/11 attacks affected me to the point of fear. I would not fly and really was afraid to leave my little corner of the United States. Even today thinking about going overseas gives me a flutter in stomach.
We live less than 20 minutes away from the East gate of Ft. Lewis, McChord air base is not very far away either. When Ft. Lewis is practicing shelling and other bombing practices our house shakes and the booming is very close. We have also watched parachuting practice not far from our house.
The first couple of years after 9/11 I was scared to death wondering if it was an attack on the bases or if they new something we didn't. Thank goodness I have many friends in the military and they are the ones who helped me put my fears in a reasonable catagory.
I can't say I have or will ever truly move on, but I do realize I can't and won't live my life paralyzed by fear.
Like Lovey I believe in God and that is what I have to do to stay sane.
I do still get angry tho when people use their religion to justify atrocities committed by man. This makes my blood boil. Anyone who straps a bomb to themselves or others to kill, maim or injure are cowards in my book! Period.
I think I have moved forward not on, but with a new awareness about danger. I am not so complacent about my freedom living in the United States anymore. I can't take it for granted because it could change in an instant.
Everyone have a good day...
Phones are ringing off the hook...
See ya later :O)
TEN
Good morning, and congrats to Lovey on #1.
Very thought provoking blog today, Glynis, and I think you have reached into all of our feelings about security and the peacefullness that will never be again. I'm certainly not a pessimist or perinoid, but 9/11 affects me very much to this day.
I try to not let it, but I have family and loved one, as we all do, that put themselves into daily situations just living their normal lives, that could be prime targets, should such another attack happen....whether by air, spread of desease, or chemicals at major events, (Super Bowls games, Olimpics, or anywhere large crowds gather).
I realize that we can't live our lives being afraid, but it still concerns me because I read quite often that terrorest cells are in this country. I live in a prime taget area, like Zona and many others, that an attack here, like in NYC, would have an affect on, not only lives but our economy. The Houston ship channel and the oil industry based in many high rise office buildings, to name only two.
I try not to feel this way, but to me 9/11, as well as attacks in other countries, was a very clear picture of the hate and disreguard for humanity and world peace that these people feel.
Personally, I think there will be future attempts, maybe not through the airlines, but by chemicals, imported foods, spreading of desease, etc.
BTW, remember those morning hours on 9/11 when we all checked to make sure our loved ones were okay, and many people found out they were not. It was a sad, sad time, which is worse than being afraid.
Good morning to Lovey, Zona, iteach, Carol, Whabby, Lynn and any other Owl that flew onto the Nest while I typed...and
Good Morning America, our beloved country.
congrats on 1st Lovey.
Hi everyone.
I can only speak for myself and where I live in the midwest. I believe on Sept 11th I was no less affected then someone living closer. I know people who lost loved ones, and the anguish that was involved in them NOT being able to get to New York. Ironic part was that he is a Pilot.
My sister was on a plane at Ohare waiting to take off and my brother-in-law was in the air at the time.
That gut wrenching fear until I knew they were safe was unbelievable.
I too watched the whole thing unfold on tv and was just in shock.
I do believe it was an attack on western civilization in general. The fact that it was the "world" trade center seemed to drive that home.
Busy day today at work- phones are ringing off the hook here to Carol.
Have a good day everyone.
Happy MOnday!!
Good Morning!!
I am going to respond to Glynis blog before reading any of the comments this a.m!! I feel this may be extremely long post!! Sorry!!
Glynis - great blog - you raise some very important questions!
Recently, I have been feeling as if most people have totally forgotten this horrible attack on our country!! I think about it EVERY single day!!!
That morning - my dogs woke me up and were acting SO strange - trying to get in the bed (which they had NEVER done and just some other weird stuff) - it was SO early, that I didn't understand WHY they were being so obnoxious - since they would not let me sleep - I turned on the tv - I could not figure out WHY Matt and Katie were on tv SO early (heck, it was hours before the Today Show was supposed to start) - the "small plane" had just hit the building and they were trying to figure out WHAT was going on - WELL - here came the other plane - I watched it hit LIVE and the feeling still overwhelms me!!!!! (I have tears as I type this) -
I knew that my nephew had just started a new job in NYC - I had NO idea if he was in one of those buildings - tried to get ahold of my brother to make sure he was okay - that took most of the morning - phone lines were SO tied up....... good news, nephew was NOT in one of the buildings - but had WATCHED it all unfold - he still won't talk about it.. he was staying in a penthouse at the time (owned by one of his mother's friends) - he was not let back in the area for weeks afterwards because of "debris".
I stayed in bed that whole day and watched tv NON-STOP and ate a 5 pound bag of M&M's!! (I'm a stress eater)...
My sister-in-law was supposed to be on the plane that hit the Pentagon, but she over slept and missed her flight - THANK GOD!!
One of my classmates from high school was a stewardess on the United Flight!
So, even though I live on the west coast - that day effected me deeply..
MEK you gave me goosebumps!
Okay - now for the fun stuff..
Lovey - congrats on being Number ONE!!
Good morning, Lovey, Zona, Iteach, Cpgem, Whabby, Lynn D, Ronnie, Goldie!
and all those arising and having their morning coffee!!!
Today will bring back alot of emotional times for all of us and I can't wait to read about them!!
I have a few more things to do today - I'll check back in later!!
I hope everyone has an excellent day!! :-)
Glynis, what a great blog! I have to give this some thought..It's still rather hard to talk about.
MEK-Wow, your story gave me goosebumps too!
Y'all have a great Monday!
Carol, I guess that's a good sign that the phones are ringing off the hook! lol
I see you're gonna have a productive Monday!
Good morning to you MEK! Well, it's noon here and about 10 am where you are if I remember correctly with the daylight saving time change! lol
(Well it didn't change for you I think!)
Congrats on first ♥lovey♥
Good morning!
Congrats to Lovey for being first today!
I woke up that morning and turned on the tv, always watch Good Morning America.
I watched in horror as they replayed the second plane hitting, seems like they showed it over and over.
For some reason, I had nothing to do that day. I don't think I could have left the house if I wanted to.
As time went by, and they were trying to account for planes that were still in the air, they mentioned the plane that had started in Newark, New Jersey and was headed for San Francisco.
I remember having thoughts of the possibility of someone I knew being on that flight, since I live in the bay area.
It turned out that I didn't know anyone personally, but many of them lived around here.
I tried not to think about it, but as I saw the replay of the plane hitting the second tower, couldn't imagine the terror that the people on board were feeling.
Or the people trying desperately to get out of the towers.
Later, I watched that documentary made by the 2 French brothers, it was just haunting.
I would not fly for some time after, and when I finally did, was grateful for the heightened security. I absolutely did not (and still don't) mind a little delay in getting on a plane.
I am looking forward to reading everyone's feelings about this. Thanks for the blog today, Glynis.
Good Morning Owls! I hope I haven't stirred up too many bad memories, as that was not my intention. I just wanted people that lived near the attacks to realize that we were all equally effected. It wasn't a NY thing, or a DC thing...it was a HUMANITY thing!
I will never forget that morning, as I was gently rocking my newborn baby boy (praying that his twin wouldn't wake up.) We always kept the radio on in their bedroom because they were so used to the noise of the hospital. I stared out the window thinking what a glorious day it was. It was perfect in every way. I was so happy. Then I heard on the radio that a plane had hit the WTC. I had been to the top of the WTC many times when I lived in the East. I remember thinking, "That building is huge...what kind of bozo pilot couldn't miss that building?" It never occured to me that it was a deliberate attack.
Unlike many of you, I didn't watch the news all day. Not only had I just brought home the twins, but I had a 2-1/2 year old daughter and the last thing I wanted was for her to see those images. I knew I had done the right thing when my friend told me her son was making Lego towers and flying his toy plane into them. They robbed us of our innocense and our security, and there was no way I was going to allow them to take that from my children.
Good Morning back to: Lovey, Zonababy,iteach, Carol, Whabbear,LynnD, ronniegirl, MEK, Goldie, Joey, East Bay J... and all the other Owls who haven't come to the nest yet today.
Did I mention that the kids are back in school today? Last week was Spring Break so the house is quiet once again. (Not sure if that makes me happy or not.)
Good Morning Everyone. I guess it is noon for most of you. I am having a slow start to my day.
Great post Glynis - Being in the Pacific North West,we were a long way from the Twin Towers that morning but we felt the fear and the sadness here. I really have difficulty reading about it. It changed the world dramatically. We will never be the same. I haven't been able to fly since that day and I had made so many trips during the 8 years previous to that horrible day. I agree with you Whabbear. We must continue to "live our lives pretty much the same way we did before" or they will have won. I just find it very hard to do that.
Good Afternoon Everyone,
Congrats to Lovey, remember DWTS tonite.
Good Blog today Glynis, I remember that day vividly in my mind, that was one morning I was running around, I usually have the TV on, but I had to take my middle son to preschool, my oldest was in 1st grade. My sister called me and said, Can you believe this?? I said believe what?? She said you don't know???? She said PUT THE TV ON NOW, I listened and did, I could not believe my eyes, I also seen the second plane hit the tower, and I also seen the towers collapse. It was so sad, my youngest son was 9 months old, he had not a clue what was going on, he was smiling and ba ba ing, and da daing, oh the innocense of children. It was good to have him doing that. My sister and I were on the phone all day and watching tv at the same time. After 9/11 there was such a change in every human being, smiles in the stores, talking nicely to everyone, one lady even gave me her flag pin she made for her church because I said it was pretty. She said here honey take it, I have a lot more. I said thank you, but I didn't mean for you to give it to me. She said wear it proudly, I still have it on my coats. All the houses had their flags on them. I do think some people forgot, which is sad. Thank you Glynis for reminding us of how we should all be so kind to one another.
Anthony, my oldest was in 1st grade like I said well his class made a chain link flag out of construction paper it was just beautiful it was in the opening of their pod so you had to go thru the American flag before you entered their pod. They even made the Newspaper, but I didn't get a copy, but I do have a picture of him in front of it, I will put it up on myspace for all to see.
Ok I have to get back and try to do something today.
Hello to everyone ahead of me and everyone thats posts after me.
Hello to my cyber sis Dreama, who I miss, Come out!!!!!
I just uploaded the picture!!!!
Hello Owls!
I worked as a controller for a trucking company at the time. The dispatch department always has a bank of TV's on to alert them of anything that may affect the truckers on the road. We all watched the coverage most of the day. Some of the so called hard bitten truckers who were there picking up loads, had tears in their eyes. I know I did. The company I worked for was contacted to see if we would donate the services of some refrigerated trucks... To pick up bodies.. Thankfully they weren't needed. Several of the independent truckers were paramedics and volunteered their services. One brought back pictures of the devastation. I remember leaving work that day and wondering how the sun could still be shining so brightly and the day be so beautiful.
The following Feb. we went to CA for the Grammy awards. Security was super tight, there were helicopters circling The Staples Blg and streets were blocked off. I have to admit to being nervous as all the security was in case of another attack. I also have to admit to being nervous when the activity increased at our local air force base. Do we ever stop being nervous? Yes. Do we ever forget? Hell no!
Glynis Thank you for the thought provoking blog today.
Lovey Congrats on #1.
The memory of that day will never leave me, really. I may go about my daily business, as we all must do, but the images and feelings of that day are etched in my mind forever. Yes, it did alter the way I feel about the world in general. I live on the west coast and I have never felt closer or more united with the east coast than I did that day. As large as our country is and as diverse, we really understood our "oneness" that day and I think we continue to feel that.
Mostly my life is back to normal but I do think about security more. I do remember that none of us can be 100% safe. That horrors can happen, even here.
Hi Lovey (congrats on 1st), Zonababy, Iteach, Carol, Whabbear, Lynn D, Mek, Ronnie, Goldie, Joey, EBJ, Tinkatia and Renee Eve.
Good thought provoking blog Glynis.
I, like everyone else watched with horror and sadness as the events of that day and those that followed unfolded. Twenty four Canadians died that day. Nowhere near the US casualty total but tragic and heartbreaking none the less.
On that day I knew why my father always said how proud he was to be a Canadian. Nova Scotia and many other provinces allowed planes from around the world to land at our airports. We housed, fed and comforted many travellers that day and the next few days after. I think that's why it hurt when President Bush didn't mention Canada in his thank yous during his speach. He tried to cover it up with a have hearted "we're like family" speach but I think he missed the point by then.
I remember lying in bed the night after the attacks and looking up at the sky through my window. On any given night of the weeks I can see the lights of planes flying over. That night the skies had no lights and I remember how eerie that felt.
Great blog Glynis.
Wabbear I totally agree.
Renee you be too funny. I heard you yell across America.
Hello to Scirish, JustLin and Dreama .
Yes, Dreama, I am rather loud, but it did bring you out. HELLO!!!!!
That tuesday morning... I was off work... Doing Cleaning laundry. So I had the CD platyer going.. no TV... No radio...
I was headed to town for errands.. So I thought I better set my VCR for my soap.. And when I turned on the TV .Before noon news was supposed to be on....
The News people were in front of an ER in DC..(I live an hour from DC)..i thought .. oh no somebody of importance got shot...
and the they made reference to the tragedy at the Pentagon.. (At the time Hubby worked not far from the pentagon..)
So then they cut to the video tape.. of the planes hitting the towers and the pentagon...
I was just bawling...
didn't leave the house for about an hour.. Called hubby.. He heard an "explosion" And then the heard the fighter planes all in the sky... and didn't know what was going on... Asked me to tape it so he could see when he got home...
So on my way to town.. passing Remount... It is now a zoological place owned by the Smithsonian...ther are about 5 gates to this place.. every one was blocked off by emergency equipment...(firetrucks)mostly..
it was pretty surreal feeling that we are that close...
Mt Weather is about 30 miles away.. that is where they hid Chaney!!!!(we think) And had tanks guarding their gates...
I was at the NASCAR race in Charlotte NC in Oct...
Lee Greenwood was just finishing singing... Proud to be an American... All of a sudden Tom Brokaw was on the big screen in the middle of track.. And he Announced that we had just invaded IRAQ...
It was kinda strange to be a part of 180,000 people Cheering Tom Brokaw on the big screen at a NASCAR race..
Lee Greewood came back out and sang it again..
Wow MEK- you really were blessed that your SIL and nephew escaped the physical part of that day. The emotional part I am sure will be with them forever.
One more part to my response. I think of that attack often. My son decided to be a flight attendant last year (a job he loves) and it scares me every day.
He was in London when the bombings occured and had it been a day later he would have been at the station waiting for his train to go to school like normal at that time. (Information I didn't need but that he deemed worthy of sharing with his poor frazzled mother).
My son is also gay and had a partner for 1 1/2 years that was Muslim. A double whammy to some people. Worry goes hand in hand when it comes to that boy! BUT I never dwell on it and I realize that you can't live in fear.
Shirley- you are right- Canada was a safe haven and the people are wonderful. So if it didn't get said before then let me say it- THANK YOU CANADA!
When 9/11 happened I was in the middle of buying diamond rings from a dealer in NYC. For 4 days I didn't hear anything and I worried was she still alive. Then after the 4th day I turned my computer on and there was an e-mail from her telling me she was working from home. Her business was shut down in the city. Her neighbor, a young man age 30ish had perished at the Twin Towers. She was still in a state of shock. In her e-mails she poured her heart out.She told me that every New Yorker knew someone who had perished. She told me that most people in that area were in shock and that they felt that the rest of the USA couldn't begin to know how their souls were shredded on that day. I kept all of her e-mails and printed each one out as I felt that this lady and her words stood for a part of our history. I gave the printed pages in a folder to my Dad along with my post cards of NYC's perished Twin Towers. My couisn immediately went to ground zero once the area was open. He wanted to witness this for himself. He is a military man and like all in my family very patriotic. I know what I saw on TV and that was shocking enough. It made me cry every time the videos were replayed and I watched the towers fall. A video of 9/11 was recently sent to me by a man I know who is a soldier. I didn't repost it but maybe I will look for it and repost it after all.
Hi Shirley.:0)
Shirley I needed you. I was PMSing and desperately craving a batch of anything with chocolate.
Renee Eve...LOL..I'm supposed to be working but I saw the subject and had to write.
Geez-- I go and read my post..Didn't even say hello to anyone...
Glynis... great topic...
Good day to all already here... and those yet to fly by...
Work is not being good to me today... but oh well...
Have a great day!!!!
Thanks Goldie. ((HUGS))
Hi Ibb.
Sending a chocolate cake with chocolate fudge icing to Dreama.
I'm going to jump right in and respond to Glynis.
Thank you submitting the blog today G.
I was deeply affected by the events of 9/11. Not to go into a lot of detail, but we were in Hawaii when it happened. I sat there in front of the TV shocked and finally went into the bathroom and bawled my eyes out. I just could not imagine that the buildings were not full of people and that I had just seen the death of thousands and thousands. It affected us the rest of the week. The not knowing if and when we were going to get to go home. And then when we did leave, the airports were overflowing with people sitting everywhere. I remember we were sitting on a bench and an elderly couple slowly walked into our gate area. She had a cane. No one, NO ONE got up and offered them their seat. There were plenty of men and teens who could have offered their seat. I told Katie who was sitting next to me to hold my seat and I walked over to them and offered our seats. They were very thankful, and Katie and I took a seat on the floor. I was aghast that men would not give up their seats. The other things that stand out were the armed military all over the airport. And the flight home was completely quiet. I have never been on a flight where no one, I mean no one, said a word.
I still think of 9/11 every time I fly. You can't help but think about it. There is so much more security, so many things you can't take on a plane. It's a pain, but I will deal with it and accept it because it makes me feel safer.
Good Afternoon!!
Lovey
Zonababy
Carol
Whabbear
Lynn
MEK
Ronnie
Goldie
Joey
Glynis
EBJ
Tinka
Shirley
IBB
Scirish
JustLin
Renee
I hope you are having a great day.
And Barbara!!
Congrats on 1st today ♥lovey♥!!
Congrats on QOTD sacbarb!
Everyone else.....Happy Monday!
(is there such a thing?)
I'm hungry. Does anyone have anything to eat?
I only have gum.Tropical Twist Trident, it is good.
OK....just finished reading Whabbear's post. Great post whab!
**hugs** MEK....I'm so thankful you still have your SIL and nephew.
Thanks for the gum iteach!
Snack for Barbara:
sub buns
mayo
deli meats
lettuce
tomato
cheese
pickles
onions
I hope this will do. Maybe Dreama will share her chocolate cake with you. Enjoy!
In the Fall of 2001, I was taking a psychology class just for the fun of it, because it had always been a subject that fascinated me. Ironically, the week before 9/11, we had been discussing memory and how our minds take a snapshot of a moment in time when traumatic events happen.
Most of the students were too young to remember what we were doing the day President Kennedy was shot, but we all remembered vivid details about the day the Challenger exploded. Little did we know, just one week later, there would be another snapshot forever saved in our minds.
I had been up late studying for a psychology exam the night before, and I was sleeping in my downstairs bedroom, because two men were on my roof fixing a leak in the flashing around my chimney. My aunt was the one who called and told me to turn on my TV, and I watched in horror as the second plane crashed into the second tower.
I threw on a robe and ran outside to tell the two guys on my roof, but they were already listening to the radio, because their wives had called. Later that day, I called my psychology teacher to find out if we were still having the exam, and she said, "Yes, because I think it's important for all of us to continue our normal routines." I didn't go to class that night though, because I was too upset.
I remember the sound of panic in my sister's voice when I called, and she was on her way to pick up her kids from school. I remember frantically calling all of my family and friends that day. I also remember it being the first time in my life when I desperately needed to hear a President speak. I stayed glued to the TV waiting for him to calm my fears and make some sense of it all.
I was terrified, confused, shocked, angry, sad...
I will never forget that day!
I forgot to mention a couple of things.
My father lived in Manhattan while they were building the twin towers. As I mentioned yesterday, he was in the Merchant Marine and he had just split from my mom, so he was living at a place where these men could live while home from sea. He had just returned from Japan and bought a brand new camera and his favorite thing to photograph were these two towers. He loved the design in the metal and how they peeked at you no matter where you were in the city. I have a disc of his photos and I will try to download his photos onto MySpace soon. They are amazing photos.
As far as missing people, my step-brother was missing for a few days. He is in Int'l Banking and used to go to the WTC for Japanese speech lessons. None of us knew what day he would go for his classes and even his wife had no idea where he was. It turned out that he was able to stay safe in one of the nearby offices, but there was no contact in his building and he was literally in shock. Apparently, he came home and cried for days. We were all so glad to get word that he was alive.
thank you shirley for the snack!
:-)
**sniff** *sniff**
...do I smell garlic? Or is that Barb in the corner eating a cold cut sub?
Good afternoon Owls. Lovey, congrats on being the early bird.
Glynis, Your blog opens a subject close to everyone's heart. We may not be able to truly know what people on the East Coast experienced, but I believe the entire U.S. believed the attack was meant for all of us.
I was born in NY and still have many relatives there. I have cousins that are firefighters and cops in NYC. Some of them were involved in the rescue of people in the WTC and all of them know someone who perished that day. Thank goodness, they all escaped death, but they all suffer from emotional and physical ailments as a result. Most the physical ailments are associated with breathing/pulmonary distress that they believe are directly related to the disaster.
I had just flown home from San Diego on Monday 9/10 and on 9/11 I was up early and had the TV on the local morning show when they suddenly switched to a picture of a burning building. Then they explained that a small plane had crashed into the WTC tower. My phone rang and it was my son in Seattle who was also watching it on TV and within 5 minutes, my other two sons called. What is it, when something tragic happens, that you need to get in touch with loved ones? I tried all day to call relatives in NY and the phone lines were so jammed, I couldn't get through to anyone until late that night.
I was glued to the TV that whole day and they kept showing the 2nd plane hit the other building and the buildings collapse, until I couldn't watch it any more. I was in tears the whole day. Also, I was originally scheduled to fly home on 9/11, but I changed my flight because my son had to go back to work on Tuesday and it was more convenient to have him take me to the airport on Monday. Of course, if I was stuck in San Diego, that isn't a bad place to be. I did have a fear of flying for a time after 9/11, but I decided, like so many of you, that it wasn't productive to live in fear.
Having just returned from Hawaii and taking many flights from island to island, I am reminded of the security measures that are now in place, especially since I always set off the alarm with my new knee. I did notice, however, that some of the security people are not thorough as others. Twice, I had forgotten to take my cell phone out of my pocket to send through with my purse, and the first time the security person that was "wanding" me didn't catch it. I didn't even realize it until the next time I had it in my pocket and the TSA agent made me take it out and she sent it through the X-ray before she gave it back to me. That bothered me a little that the first one missed it.
Sorry for the novel.
Shirley: I too want to say Thank you to Canada for all the support after 9/11. I'm sorry that our "leader" failed to give Canada the proper appreciation that it deserves. We love our neighbors to the north.
Barbwa: I didn't even see that I had the QOTD. Thanks for pointing it out. Thanks, too, Carol.
BTW, my last post was #50.
Wow G! I decided to swoop into the nest and what a thought provoking post. As your neighbour (yes, there is a "u" in Canada), that is a day that will live with me forever. One of my Mom's dear friends was visiting her brother in Tower 1 when it was hit. Her remains were never found. I had been up on the observation tower just months before and I still have my little yellow taxicab that I bought in the gift store there. But I honestly feel that New Yorkers felt a different kind of devastation than anywhere else - the City that never sleeps virtually shut down in their grief and shock!
I remember too watching as a child as my father wept openly (the first time I ever saw him cry) when John Kennedy was assassinated. I didn't understand it then, but I felt the same pain and sorrow on 9/11 for all of you and all that you lost.
Sorry for the novel, but it really is an incredible topic.
On a lighter note, for those that remember my ducks, Doug and Donna landed again in my back yard today. Poor Doug has been knocking at my glass patio doors for hours looking for his buddy Checkers and he just quacks angrily at me when I try to tell him Checkers isn't here anymore. I have a feeling it's going to be a long and noisy evening!
Help...I am having Myspace problems. I went to a cheerfully colourful background on my home page (not profile page)last night. I couldn't see when I had comments or messages so went back to the "classic view". And from there everything came out totally jumbled and is all messed up. I can't read anything. I can't tell if I have new messages or comments and can't make any changes. There is a big Pogo add on the control panel so I can't make any changes there. I have contacted Myspace help. Any ideas?
Shirley
thank you sweetie. I am stuffing my face now! :0)
Grandma Moses
You were the first one I thought of when I saw this subject since you live so close to NYC. I will check back tonight and see if you posted.
Vig, I just went to your profile and it looks fine on this end.
Mary...Thank you so much for checking, but it's not the profile page...it's my home page that only I can see...and now I can't read anything on it. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem.
Vig I just signed into myspace and I have the same problem! What a mess! I am guessing it is a myspace glitch. I hope.
I have tried refreshing and signing out and in. Still a mess!
I notice that the sign out buttons are blank too!
VIG and Lynn D I just went to ms and the login button wasn't there but I clicked where I thought it should be and it worked. My home page was fine. I do find ms to be very slow tonight.
Thanks SacBarb and your welcome Dreama.
Vig,
I got into myspace, but its all wonky and just WEIRD, but our buddy TOM put up a status banner that everyones home page is messed up and they are working on it, I hope this helps everyone.
Thanks Renee Eve! I could not even see that everything is so scrabbled together.
I do find it interesting that the damn advertisements still come through strong! Geeeez
Shirley, I do the same thing (click where it would be). and it always works. I'll go back and check my home pg.
Thanks everybody! It is definitely a MS glitch. I didn't know it was happening and tried to make some changes to my home page..and that is when everything went to heck. I suggest if your page is fine right now, don't make any changes!!!
GLYNIS - Great blog!! I'll never forget the morning of 9/11. I had just dropped my youngest son off at pre-school, and a classmates father is a pilot, and I was so scared that he was in the air that day. We were so careful not to say anything in front of the children until we really knew what was going on. I remember being glued to the tv for days. The other thing that I remember is that was the first year that we planned a block party for our neighborhood. At first we thought maybe it would be inappropriate to have it - but we decided as friends and neighbors to show love and support and have it anyway. As awful as that day was, we really grew as a neighborhood.
LOVEY - Congrats on first!!!
I have to go back and read all the posts. I have had a busy day - I FINALLY got our taxes done today - and we are getting a sweet refund!!! I swear I will never put it off to the last minute again - but what a relief that it is done.
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My home pg. is fine.I did have a little trouble earlier leaving a comment for someone. It was acting a little wonkers then.
left, left, left, right, left!!!
left, left, left, right, left!
69!!!!
ahhhhhhh!!!!! Gotta luv the march to 69!!! HI TURTLE!!! :p
GOLDIE - So sorry you had to wait for the call that your sister and bil were safe. I couldn't imagine the stress of that. Oh, and you actually had to work today?!!?
Bono...I couldn't read all of your MS message. Were you able to see any of mine to you?
MEK - So glad you sil didn't make that flight. And I agree - even though all these events took part far away from Wisconsin - I felt totally devestated for everyone we lost and their families.
I have to go back to my chores. We are plastering,sanding and repainting a spare bedroom while doing the laundry and house work.X-Night shifters like us are just getting into the work mode. Later......
VIG~~Up to my armpits in taxes (which is why I haven't posted today)---but after seeing your MS question, my MS message to you was to send the Bulletin re: profile overlapping that MS is working on in case you hadn't seen it. Just sent you a 'reply' to YOUR reply which didn't show any content on my end.....I say we all give up for a while...........bbl
Bono...thanks so much for your help. Have fun (if that is at all possible) with your taxes. I will resend my letter to you when MS is deglitched!
Waving a wing @ VIG & BON!!!
MS has been painfully SLOW for me today - but my messages appear to be ok.
Waving backatcha Jodi!
Myspace seems to be back to normal..yay!!!!
Good blog Glynis.
I was awakened that morning at around 0430am by my mother's phone call. She was hysterical on the other end. When I got her calmed down enough to understand her she asked me if I was watching TV, and I sarcastically said "In my dream I was"..... she typically retorts with a sarcastic response but all I heard was a TV in the backround. So I asked her what channel... I instictively tuned into CNN as anyone who visits here will attests to the local TV anchors leave little to be desired. I watched as Tower 1 was burning and then Tower 2 crashed into. I woke up my roommates and we all sat in the dark of the living room watching our country be attacked. At the same time all we heard outside was the roar of F16 fighter jets flying back and forth and sirens everywhere. The military presence here is huge and they we're all put into action. The local elder population absolutely freaked out as they thought we would be a target as we we're in previous wars.
Being in tourism as my career, it was business as usual that day but within a few hours everything stopped everywhere. Any flight that was anywhere in the pacific was diverted to Honolulu Int'l and they we're parking planes on the runways and people we're literally stranded in paradise.
I still get the chills when I hear the F15 and F16 fighter jets take off. My office is only 1/2 mile from the end of the reef runway and they take off right over my office on routine practive missions but they take off as if they are in combat with ammo under their wings.
I lost some acquaintences in the towers that day and a close friend was in the pentagon and triaged some of her fellow workers that tragic day.
With my office being right smack dab in the middle of Honolulu Harbor we adhere to the same threat con warnings that are issued at the airport and any military installations. It is amazing how many times that can be raised and lowered in the same day!
I truly hope that we as a country and ANY country for that matter never sees that kind of destruction ever again. War is stupid!
OK enuff rambling...back to work.
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I have read everyone's stories and want to thank everyone for sharing - can't say I "enjoyed" them - but sincerely appreciate everyone's feelings and outpouring of emotion!! I think the world stopped that day and weeks to follow!!
I have NO idea what to have for dinner tonight and it's supper time!! YIKES - what's a girl to do?!!
I'll stop in a little later!!
MEK There's always grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.
OMG - Just Lin - I JUST told Mr. MEK that I could do grilled cheese!!! TOo hot for soup - it hit 95 degrees today!!!
SO - that is what it will be!!!
:-)
great minds!!
OH - and this is a reminder - Medium is new tonight!! (Zona loves those reminders!!)
Glynis,
I have thought of your blog a lot today.
My minor in college was history. What happened on 9/11 has been repeated before in history. Same theme but with different countries.
I had one professor that gave a good arguement on why the bomb on Japan was totally not necessary. He stated that Japan was within days of surrendering (sp). He totally believes that the bomb was dropped to scare Russia.
Now I'm just quoting my old college professor.
I just thought it was interesting.
Uh oh. My bad. I skimmed comments too fast!
Shirley, of course I will share my cake with Barbara.
:0)
Moweenie- I just remembered about your poo problem.
I hope you were able to clean it up.
Sometimes poo is hard to get rid of.
87
88 the year I graduated from High School
89 the year I lost my virginity
90
91
92 the year I graduated from college
93 the year I started teaching
94
95
96
97 sorry ladies these years were a little boring
98
99
2000 the year I met future hubby
Off to grade papers!
9/11 is in my heart and soul, never to be any farther...I am 20minutes outside of NYC, I saw the smoke!
I was home getting ready for work, and watching our local news station which is based in NY. They first reported it as a small plane hitting the WTC by accident and showed a picture of smoke, they and I at the time believed it was a small plane and just an accident.
As the minutes went by, the newscaster keep getting mixed information, and finally was informed that it was a commercial jet that hit the WTC. At that moment I ran to my phone and tried calling my cousin who worked in that area. I could not get thru.
I left my house and went to the agency (I have a tv at work) and watched everything unfold as you all did.
That day was the longest day I ever had, I finally reached my cousin who was able to make her way to Hoboken NJ which is across the rive r from NYC. She stayed with a friend that night and finally make it home the next day.
I know of several people who lost loved ones, and its gut wrenching to see them and speak with them.
My business was affected greatly, and I really thought I was going to have to close my doors, as travel was at a stand still. If it was not for my family and my landlord helping me out financially I don't think I would have made it thru.
I survived that horrid day, as well as my business. However some did not and they all be forever in my heart♥♥
I have visited the WTC site many times since 9/ll and each time I cry and touch all the memorials, and see the faces of all who was lost~~
Oh, Carol.
Glynis
Thank you for making be see, that it was not just a east coast horror. It was a horror for all, no matter where one lived.
Your blog was a great way to bring different views on one subject!
Thanks Again!
My cousin lost her job, and was able to collect unemployment, she also applied for financial aid thru the WTC post that was set up for people just like her who was without a job.
I went down to Hoboken with her so she could apply. There were so many people there applying for aid, just so they could put food on their table. There were pictures everywhere of people missing, wherever you looked there was a person with a picture of a loved one, asking anyone if they had seen them.
It was heartbreaking.
My cousin received the financial aid which helped pay her rent for three months. We were there for over 7hrs.
I remember it all as if it was yesterday.
I was not able to get financial aid for my business, as I was not in the zone (your business had to be in nyc my the WTC). I was able to apply for a SBA and I was denied, as they felt my business was a risk. So I was on my own.
I wrote to my local congressman about my situation. I was invited to Trenton to speak on all the affects 9/11 had on business's. I spoke in front of 200 people. It came from the heart. They applauded when I was done, and I was glad I was able to speak on behalf of business that were affected and yet received no help.
As I said it is a day I will never forget.
scrish
So very happy to see a post from you, I sure hope you are feeling better, you were greatly missed.
Shirley
Canada was a great help, all the flights that were to land in Newark and could not because they shut the airport down Canada took them in.
Thank you Canada!
to all
I have read all your comments, and want to thank you all immensely for sharing.
We all were in different places when we heard the news. However we all felt the same~~
Carol: I can't imagine how it was to have seen the smoke and know what it was. Some of my family have gone to see the memorial several times and some will never go to see it. I have an Uncle who says he never wants to see the site that tragedy has wrought and he prefers to remember the WTC as it was in all it's glory. To each his own, I suppose.
I am so happy for you that your business was able to survive and that you were here to create this wonderful place for us. Thank you.
111
Good night everyone!!
Thank you Glynis~
iteach Good night!
cpgem8 I'm so thankful that your business survived that horrible time. Although we were all deeply affected by what happened that day, I'm sure it was worse for you as it happened on your home turf.
I don't think my last post sounded quite right. I certainly didn't mean to dismiss those of you whose friends and loved ones may have been in harm's way. I'm sure that day was an absolute nightmare for you.
just_lin
Thank you, and your post sounded fine, I read it just as you meant it.
sacbarb
Thank You, I find comfort in going to the WTC site. It is sad, however it helps with the healing.
I am off to bed.
Hope everyone has a good night
mek
So very glad your hair looks pretty!
Nite
:O)
2752 people murdered at the WTC
184 people murdered at the Pentagon
40 perished on Flight 93
343 NYC fire fighters lost their lives
51 NYC policemen died in the line of duty
I got these statistics from the video I mentioned earlier.
Did everyone go to bed?
Hey Just Lin - I am here - but getting ready to go to bed..
The grilled cheese sandwiches were GREAT - I didn't burn them or anything!!
cpgem - my heart still feels for you - love you!!
LOL
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Carol, although all of us experienced the horror that day, it was those of you close by who had to bear the brunt of it, for sure. Kudos for speaking about your experience and sticking to your business until it survived!
CG: Congrats on the return of your ducks! The poor things, without checkers! Please give them a piece of bread for me!
J/L: In bed, but not quite going to sleep! Hello to you and SacBarb from last night!
MEK: LOL! Last night was definitely a flyby, since it was after the Lone Star. Not only that. Jimmy the Bartender has taken (just in the last couple of weeks) to offering Huz and I a SECOND shot of free Patrone. Well, last week I had the presence of mind to turn him down, but yesterday I didn't. So, last night was kind of.... sloppy!
It was fun to see Desperate Housewives back, though (well, what I can remember of it, that is)!
Zona, SacBarb, MEK, Tinkatia: GW was great on Friday, wasn't it? It had been quite a few episodes since they'd featured any of the ghosts living "below". And we seemed to meet another one of their leaders!
Beware! Beware! The ghosts that won't cross over (BTW, cross over what, exactly? All I ever see them do is fade away!) appear to be discovering the considerable attractions of bodily possession!
I wonder when Gabriel and Melinda's father are going to appear again? And what about Melinda almost getting exposed through the internet?
Are Grandview tongues already wagging?
Have a great night, owls!
Nite, nite Bear. Sleep well.
Hi...
I like everyone watched in horror on TV as the second plane hit the WTC. My daughter had called me as I was getting ready for work. I went to work and they had TV's on there for everyone to watch. I didn't know anyone directly involved with the days tragedy but I too felt like it was a personal attack on all of us.
We had been at a Monday night football game the night before and one of our star players went out with a broken leg. It seemed strange to think about "how important" that was less than 12 hours ago and now how insignificant it all had become. It also made me so aware the next time we went to game. The security lines were very long, no planes were allowed to fly over the stadium and people wept as the National Anythem played and then God Bless the USA. It gives me chills just thinking about that feeling.
I to think I have moved forward as a person has to do to live life but I (along with everyone) will never forget that day of 9/11 and I do get scared that it will happen somewhere else in some way again.
Hi there Dianne. I just popped back in to wish everyone a good night. I only have 50 more days now to wait until I see Custard. Yipee!!!!
Jodi: I sent you a text as I was out tonight but the curds have not arrived yet so I will be watching tomorrow. I made sure MrD promised they didn't come today and he ate them all..I think I believe him.
I had my granddaughters all day today and we had fun meeting for breakfast, shopping at Walmart (with them talking me into so many things) as they HAD to have Hannah Montana wallets, etc. We then came home and unloaded and then took lunch to the park for the afternoon where I sat in the beautiful 75 degree sun and they played "teenager" on the playground. I met some moms there and visited and felt like I was one of the nanny's out with my children. I then delivered them back to my daugher and then MrD and I went car shopping for the third night in a week and finally made a decision....long day and got home late...so night all.
Hi J/L: 50 more days....where are you meeting this time? ARe you going back to your home town or somewhere else and for how long? I am glad you are going to be able to see each other again and remember that old saying about "absence makes the heart grow fonder"!
Dianne It's funny you said that. He used that exact quote this morning. But then when we talked later he said we were going to have to do something about these long absences. We miss each other.
Good night for real. I'm too tired to stay.
Just checking in to say Good Night Dianne, Just Lin, Whabbear, Mek and any other owl who is still up. It is way past my bedtime.
Whabbear - I thought GW was great. I have watched all of season one and two and enjoyed every episode. I can't believe I never watched it until you and Zona got me on to it.
TINK: What the heck are you doing up so late? I just saw your post and got scared that maybe I stayed up all night and it was already morning and you were going to say "first"! I am sure glad you qualified that it was late night. You know Tink, at our young age one can be confused easily and I didn't think I remembered laying down yet!!!
DIANNE - I got your text. I'm going to call them today - you should've gotten them by now. Now I'm pissed. What kind of car did you get me?!!? I hope you can fit it in a box to send to Wisconsin!! :P
Just stopping in for the first time today (yesterday?) other then the quick shout to VIG re: MS issues hours ago. FINALLY finished Fed & State taxes before midnight on April 14......time to spare! Itemization was a bit more challenging this year, but worth it for the refunds!.
Although my brain is fried after two days of number crunching, I have to swoop in long enough to acknowledge Glynis's excellent blog and all the posts that followed, each of them very touching. I'll try to add a bit shortly or in the a.m. ~~~Missed you all today.....you're all much better reading than a 1040!
bedtime snack...done...nodding off...
I was awakened very early PDT on September 11, 01 by a call from my daughter who was in Hanau,Germany with her career-Army hubby and a one-year old. Immediately turned on all the tv's in the house well before the second plane hit. After staying at the Vista Hotel at the base of the WTC when last in NYC for a week of meetings in the Towers, I could not believe what my eyes saw as the tragedy just grew more horrendous over the following day(s). As I'm sure you did, I hated watching the impacts, explosions and tower collapses over and over....but could never NOT watch, thinking one more viewing might help me wrap my head around the unfathomable. My assumptions about life in the USA forever changed that day....I can't imagine the ongoing trauma experienced by those more directly impacted.
As time passed, what touched me most were the eerie silence of NO air traffic, the real 'terror' of wondering what might be hit next, the US flags flying from almost every home, flags and 'We Will Remember' magnets on almost every vehicle, fearing for our military families at home and abroad, agonizing for those searching for missing or lost loved ones portrayed for weeks on the news, and the sudden new priorities and 'anti-terrorist'/survival training at work-----even in our relatively 'safe' law-enforcement community.
I could write for days about the emotional roller-coaster (shock, denial, fear, grief, pride, anger) that followed, but you all went through it as well, so you know. With many ties to the military, I still stuggle daily between pride and anger at America's response to 9/11.
Dianne/Denver~~Tinka's midnight post surprised me as well. Take a pic of that new car for us before you mail it to Jodi!
Going out on an even number for Jennifer....
GOOD MORNING EAST COAST OWLS!
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