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Thursday, September 11, 2008

September 11, 2001


It was a bright sunny Tuesday morning here in NJ on September 11, 2001. I was getting ready for work as I always did, my same routine was in order, as my day was about to begin. While watching our local Fox news which is stationed out of NYC, a commenter on the street in NYC was speculating that a small plane hit the north tower of the world trade center, he said very clear "the pilot probably misjudged" in the back round you can see smoke bellowing from the tower. There was no breaking news flashing across the screen, it really was like any other small news event that happens in our area all the time. I called to my dad to put the local news on, and he and I discussed the error in judgment of the pilot while watching the scenes being shown on T.V. 15 minutes after the first plane hit, another plane hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center. And that is when it began, the realization, that something was not right, and these plane's hitting the Towers where not by accident.

On this day, nothing is a blur, I remember everything that happened afterward just like it was yesterday. I drove to work while trying to get my cousin who works in the city on her cell phone, however it was not to be as the recording I was getting was stopping me "all circuits are busy please try your call again" and as many times as I tried, the same damn recording became a brick wall. In those same moments I began to repeat, "we are being attacked".

The day continues on, with one catastrophe after another, and each time, my mind reels with sadness and confusion. As I tried to say focused, I checked my passenger list on which clients were flying that day, and if any of my clients were on those planes. It was a relief to find out that none of them were. When the airports shut down, I knew that this was a event never to be forgotten, also knowing how many lives where about to change.


In the late afternoon, I finally reached my cousin who was now stuck in NY, as the only thing running were the waterways from New York to Hoboken NJ, she was standing in line with thousands of stranded Jerseyans trying to find their way back home. All I thought, was that she is safe. She finally reached Hoboken, around midnight. I was overjoyed, to say the least.

I watched in horror people jumping from windows that were stuck in the towers, their bodies falling to the ground, as they outstretched their arms thinking that perhaps that would save them. The mass of people running when the towers collapsed, they were running to safe their life's and they knew it. The determination it must have took to run from falling concrete debris, as all they wanted was life.


This day is a day that did indeed change many peoples lives. I almost lost my business as no one would fly in the upcoming months, my struggle was to just survive and keep my business going at all cost. My landlord agreed to take 1/2 the rent each month till the new year began, my family and friends gave me money to pay my office expenses, and grocerys were given to my business partner, as he lives alone, and depends more on his paycheck than I. I applied for the SBA loan they were offering, after mounds and mounds of paper work, I was denied, as SBA said I was a high risk business and they did not want to take a chance on loaning me the money, I was asking for $5000.00 dollars, which is not a lot, I was pushed aside and needed to fend for myself, as I was not going down without a fight, more so I would not let these awful attackers destroy me. My survival during those times were based solely on the family and friends mentioned above.

My cousin lost her job in the city, a couple of weeks later we had to go to Hoboken so she can apply for aid, she received one months rent and money for food. There was a memorial of sorts set up, and we walked around looking at all the pictures of the deceased or lost. People were still looking for loved ones, they had pictures with them asking people if the saw their mother, father, sister etc. We gave our sympathies and explained that we have not. It was a long day, and it is embedded in my mind. So many disoriented people, just wandering around aimlessly in hopes of finding a loved one.

Each year on this day, our local news stations show the memorial at Ground Zero, and each year I watch. Through clients and friends I know some people that perished or better yet, killed. The sadness pours thru me, the anger front and center. I hate everyone of the attackers, for they
are selfish, cowardly bastards, I am glad they are dead. If they want to praise Allah for the good of their people, then praise Allah in your homeland, keep your Allah, as I have no use for Allah or their beliefs.


I used to be able to see the Twin Towers, when riding on certain streets in my area. I would drive up a hill and before me were beautiful structures, made my man. So we Americans can have jobs and prosperity. Now I see empty spaces, which always reminds me of that dreadful day, the day we, Americans were attacked, the day we lost close to 3000.00 people. Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, Sons. Innocent people who were about to start their day, just as I was.

I will never forget what happen, my anger will be instilled in me for the rest of my life, I will not let it go. I made a promise to myself back in 2001, to never forgot, and if ever the day comes that we get the mastermind that was behind this hideous attack, it will be a day that I will be joyous, and hopefully what goes around comes around.

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to all the families that lost loved ones, may the memories of them give you comfort, and may they always be in your hearts.


Click here for the Timeline of the September 11 attacks

Click here for the names of those that perished

130 comments:

Renee Eve said...

Very nice blog Carol.

Your a great writer. This was a very sad say and like you said I remember also as if it were yesterday. I don't think anyone would every forget this day.

Maureen said...

CAROL...what a passionate blog. That day is permenantly etched in my mind, as well. I hope we all remember always the victims of the crash in Penn. and the victims at the Pentagon, as well. It is a day that has changed all of our lives. And continues to change us.
Thanks for sharing another part of you with us.

RENEE...congrats on first and very nice to see you.

Shirley(NCC-1701) said...

Good morning Renee Eve and Maureen.

Congrats on 1st Renee!

Carol thank you for sharing your memories of this day with us.

Lynn D said...

Morning Glories!

Renee congrats on first!

Hi Mo!

Carol your blog is very touching and I understand how you feel. I too remember that day and will for the rest of my life. As that day changed the course of history for everyone around the world.

It changed me in ways that for a long time, I lived my life with fear and sense of not being able to trust.

I get very angry when I see senseless violence around the world and the question I ask myself all the time is why?

The fact that they say they do their terrible acts in the name of Allah which is God, makes me think that the God I know is weeping, as he would never condone senseless violence. In my heart and soul I truly believe that people who act out these atrocities in Gods name will be judged more harshly when they stand before him and in the end God will take care of their punishment in the after life.

I honor the people who died in vain on this day. To me their memory is sacred and should be treated as such. They were the brave ones, they were the ones that God took home, is now holding and rewarding. Because they were innocent.

The strange part as I sat at the hospital with my daughter last night, was that we had a discussion as she was worried about her baby being born on 9/11, as it is such a sad day in our history and everyone will be focused on this day of memorial every year.

I told her that yes it would, but the babies being born today are a testament of God's faith in us as survivors. He is letting us know new life will carry us forward and it will and should be a day of celebration for all of these children. They are our hope for the future.

So I am getting ready soon to head out to the hospital, as she called me to let me know they have started the medication to induce her labor.

So my friends even tho this is a day of rememberence. Think about the joy of the families that are receiving new life today. These new little ones, that I hope will help someday to change the course of history for the better.

Love to you all and sending heartfelt (((Hugs))) to everyone.

Sandie said...

Congrats on first, Renee!! What a nice surprise to see you bright and early this morning!!

Good morning, Carol, Mo, Shirley and LynnD! LynnD, I loved what you wrote about your daughter having her baby on 9/11. So true.

I have lots to say about that day but I have to run to drop my car off at the dealer. The horn won't stop going off! And although it's funny now, it's not when it happens as people are not happy about it!! In fact, I've decided to name my car "Herbie."

BBL

goldie said...

congrats on 1st renee eve
Good morning hooters

Carol- great blog and tribute.

I will never forget that day- I too was watching the news when it all occured and couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I knew my sister was flying that day for business as was her husband (on seperate flights).
I was completely panicked until she reached me.

She was on a plane waiting for take off at O'hare. They said there was a delay because of an "incident" in NY. She said that made no sense to her since she wasn't going to NY. She called her boss in NY to see what the hell was going on.
She was on the phone with her boss in NY when the Pentgon was hit. Her boss was telling her to get off the plane, get off, we are being attacked! About the same time more passengers where on the phone and getting the same news. They demanded to be let off the plane. She said it was almost a riot.

When they were let off the plane, they were told not to collect any luggage, just get out of the terminal as fast as can and get away from O'hare. At that time no one knew what else would happen.

My brother-in-law had already arrived at his destination, but of course could not get home, so he rented a car and drove back.

Their very good friends brother-in-law was the father of 5 children under the age of 10. He worked for Canter Fitzgerald, the company that took the direct hit. He has never been found. My sisters friend is a pilot for United Airlines and his biggest heartache was that he could not fly to his sister that day. It took 5 days of trying to rent a car and driving to NY to be with her.

I have seen the twin towers when they stood, but have not been to NY since that tragic day. It is sad for me to think of seeing that landscape without them standing.

I wish everyone peace today and comfort as this tragedy has changed us all and affected every one of us in one way or another.

East Bay J said...

Good morning,

Carol thank you for your eloquent rememberance of that tragic day.

Lynn congrats on your new grandson who is to be born today. I think some day he will be proud to have been born on this special day in history.

I hope everyone has a peaceful day today.

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Owls. I woke up thinking about the morning seven years ago. I will be back in a few minutes.

whabbear said...

I hate terrorists. They try to tear down everything I believe in... the importance and dignity of fellow human beings, our modern civilization and all the advantages it imparts, and our ability to construct and create a better future.

Terrorists seem to hate all of those things. They don't believe human life is worth anything, and they want to tear down and destroy our modern infrastructure.

All in the name of fairy tales, superstition, and idolatry.

Fuck terrorists. Because they place no value on my life, I place none on theirs.

night.owls.sb said...

Renee Eve:
Congrats on First, and it is good to see ya, sure hope your family is well!

Maureen:
Hmmm...Not at work, did you wake up late?
And
Yes, I remember all that lost their lives.

night.owls.sb said...

Whabby:
Wow....I loved every word you said, I hate them as well, and always will!

Fuck them is right!

night.owls.sb said...

Goldie:
I know that feeling when you are trying to reach out to a loved one and can't reach them, it is awful. I am very glad your family was ok.

night.owls.sb said...

Lynn:
I so agree, as some life's are taken new ones begin it is truly the circle of life! Keep up Posted and an wonderful new beginning...

And

I am appalled as to why one has to come to this country and save us in the name of Allah. If I want to be saved by Allah, I will do it myself, I don't need anyone's help.
You are right, they will all have a judgment day! They can keep their Allah, as I said and whabby said, I have no use for them or Allah!

night.owls.sb said...

Sandie, EBJ, Tinka!

Hello..

night.owls.sb said...

Shirley:
These memories are front and center, I am so passionate about this day. I am very glad I was able to blog about it.

And

Lets not forget how Canada came to our aid and allowed many planes to land. Thank You Canada... :O)

night.owls.sb said...

It is quiet in my office this morning, it seems every 9/11 while the names are being read on T.V. and the pictures of the deceased flash across the screen, life stops. Kinda eerie, the quiet, like all is waiting for the names to be read out of respect.

night.owls.sb said...

And it is quiet here in the nest, Hope all has a good day!

:O)

Tinkatia said...

20

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning All Owls,
Thank you Carol for writing such a beautiful piece. I am rushing out to an appointment. I will comment this afternoon.
Hope everyone has a good day in spite of all the bad memories.

goldie said...

Carol- it is very quiet here too.

A lot of tribute songs being played on the radio station. Keeps bringing a tear to my eye.

I am also feeling a little aprehensive since my son is in the air (flight attendant)today too. I asked him if it bothers him and he said no- when its time its time. Then he said and if its my time I want to at least be getting paid for it. That brought a chuckle. I will talk to him when he finishes this trip today and see how the reaction was from passengers and crew.

MEK in AZ said...

cpgem - Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today.. excellent blog... you had me in tears, cuz it's like it was just yesterday!!

I will NEVER forget this day in history either..

My dogs woke me up very early and would NOT settle down - (seems they knew the world would never be the same )- so - I turned on the tv and Matt and Katie were on - well, they should NOT have been on tv THAT early in the a.m. - they kept showing the smoke in the tower and talking about a small plane - WELL, we all know the rest - the second plane hit - and the horror began.....

I watched non-stop for DAYS - ate a five pound bag of M&M's that day(sorry Lynn) while laying in bed .....

I frantically tried to get ahold of my older brother, cuz I knew my nephew had just started a new job in NYC - but had NO idea where - I was SO relieved when I heard that he was okay!!(sadly, they watched the whole thing from their office windows).

One of my class mates from high school was a flight attentant on one of the flights that hit the WTC. At our 30th reunion - we remembered her.....

My SIL was supposed to be on the plane that hit the Pentagon - BUT at the last minute, she decided to extend her stay and spend more time with her sister -

This weekend - I watched a documentary about five people that were supposed to be on Flight 93.

I could go on and on ......

May we NEVER forget!!!

MEK in AZ said...

Goldie - I understand your concerns and feel your pain..

Last year - after the First Annual BABB - somehow - I had booked my return flight for Sept 11th - and thought - WTF did I just do? - But - i knew that would be one of the safest travel days EVER, (not that they all shouldn't be) - but, well, you know!!!

(((HUGS)))

MEK in AZ said...

Lynn D - Thinking about you today - and LOVE your conversation with your daughter last night!!

hartldo said...

Wonderful blog Carol.

Beautiful post Lynn, about new life. I'm remembering those lost today but I'm joyous for those coming into the world. Hoping and praying that all goes well with your daughter and baby.

Sandie: Good luck with Herbie!

Congrats on first Renee!

On lunch break and have to get back to work now. More later!

Maureen said...

Good afternoon owls!

CAROL...I am off today (not tonight tho) since I have to work Saturday.

LYNN...by the time this posts, I hope you have a new, healthy and bouncing baby boy!

SHIRLEY...we thank you and the gracious people of Nova Scotia that took in our travelers when planes were diverted and grounded.

I was asleep when the 1st plane hit, but I had fallen asleep with the tv on NBC. I happened to roll over and saw what was being aired. My first thought was what kinda fucking ass movie are they showing so early in the morning. Then I saw the time stamp in the corner and the NBC logo and heard Matt and Katie...and I froze as tears rushed down my cheeks. I called my friend and told her to get up and turn on the tv...we watched together from our separate homes in shock, disbelief and horror. I called my staff at work to check on them and offer to come in if any of them wanted to go home, but the mall closed and everyone went home. I remained glued to the tv the rest of the day and night. My cousin had gone outside to breathe some fresh air and call her husband. While on the phone, she happened to look up and saw a plane make a u-turn almost over her home. She was like..wtf? A few minutes later that plane crashed in PA. I felt fear, real fear, for days. I also cancelled vacation plans out of the fear of flying. But, after consideration, I did re-book in the spring because I decided I refused to let them win yet again. The cowards were not going to paralyze me...we, as a nation, are stronger then that.

I honor those that were taken in vain and honor the military that is trying to protect our freedoms. And I honor you, my friends.

Maureen said...

I forgot to mention the police, fire and civilians that put their lives on the line to search, rescue and recover. I honor them as well.

Just_Lin said...

Renee Eve How lovely to see you here today, and as first, no less. Congrats!

Carol What a wonderful blog you wrote today. I am so glad you were able to keep your business, your going through such a difficult time. Today's blog is a good reminder to me that, although I am in pain, I will not be in endless pain like what visited so many families that day. For my pain to even be compared to that is trite. I will live to love another day.

LynnD What a wonderful comment you posted. Indeed, new life today is a double blessing.

MEK Purposely traveling by air on 9/11 is a kind of "fuck you" to the terrorists, don't you think?

Goldie (((HUGS))) to you. This is probably the safest of all days for your son to fly.

Maureen said...

On a different note...I called Ronnie and she and her family are evacuating this afternoon. I asked her to please call when she got to where they are going, as she didn't know yet where that would be.

I don't think she would mind that I told you. And I don't think she will mind that I ask all of you to keep her and her family in your prayers that they remain safe.

I also saw on MS that Dreama evacuated yesterday. I hope she also remains safe and sound.

Prayers to all in the path of Ike.

Maureen said...

GOLDIE...may your son be safe today and everyday he is in the air.

And I agree...let's all say it...FUCK THE TERRORISTS.

Just_Lin said...

"Fuck you, terrorists!"

"Fuck you, Ike!"

"Fuck you, Custard!"

Okay, I feel a little better now.

goldie said...

ty for the comments in regard to my son. I worry every day- but for some reason today brings it all home.

F**k the terrorists is right!

sacBarb said...

Good morning/afternoon Owls.

Carol, Thank you for sharing your experience of that fateful day. I,too, remember that day as if it were yesterday.

I had been in San Diego for a week and was scheduled to fly home on 9/11, but my son had to go back to work on that day so I changed my flight to Monday 9/10. I hadn't been retired for too long and was still waking up at 5:30am every morning. I turned the TV on to the local news and suddenly the picture changed to a building with smoke billowing out of it. 15 minutes later, the larger plane hit the other building, and my son called me to see if I was watching TV. Then each of my other sons called. I guess they just needed to connect with me. I also have many relatives in NY and cousins on the NYPD and NYFD. All of them were safe, but they worked non-stop for days.

Like the rest of America, I will never forget that day and the insecure feeling I had for a long tine after.

Thanks again for the heartfelt tribute to those innocents who lost their lives that day. I will never forget.

MEK in AZ said...

I wanted to share this Alan Jackson performance with you all today..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9PwWkV4HQ4

The next one is the same song - but with pictures of the events of 9/11.. (a little more emotional)..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_clidR7drg&NR=1

sacBarb said...

Renee Eve, so good to see you in the nest. Congrats on first.

LynnD, Best wishes to your daughter today. What a wonderful way to reassure her about her new baby's birthday.

Sandie, I hope Herbie gets his horn fixed.

MEK, Thanks for the spoiler last night.

Hart, I am keeping Kenny and his family in my prayers.

Waving a wing at Mo, Shirley, Goldie, EBJ, Tinka, Bear, J/L and all who land later.

sacBarb said...

MEK, Thanks for posting those links. Yes, it very emotional watching, especially the second one.

whabbear said...

Carol: I should clarify my opinion!

When the concept of "Allah" is used by adherents of Islam to support terrorism and murder, then I agree wholeheartedly with you. "Allah" can stay at home!

But when the vast majority of Islamic Americans invoke "Allah" as the supreme being in their everyday religious observances, then I have no problem with it at all. They are simply worshipping God by another name.

When I hear of of radical fundamentalist Christians (like Fred Phelps and his merry band) who invoke "God" to support hatred and intolerance of any except those who follow their narrow version of Christianity, I condemn them as vociferously as I condem fundamentalist Islamics calling on Allah.

It is not the invocation of a supreme being (by whatever name) that we need be concerned about. It's when the followers demonize and dehumanize other human beings in the name of that supreme being that is the problem!

goldie said...

I agree with you Bear- and I knew what you meant!

Jodi said...

CAROL - Thank you for a beautiful and heartfelt blog/tribute today. On that morning I had dropped my oldest son off at pre-school and we were all terrified that a classmate's father was in danger. He is an airline pilot and hadn't been grounded yet that day. I also remember watching the tv for days afterward. It all seemed surreal. Never in my lifetime did I think I would witness such an attack on U.S. soil. 2001 was also the year that our neighborhood decided to have our first block party. There were some on the street that thought it would be inappropriate to carry on with our plans. I however voiced my opinion that we should come together as a neighborhood and celebrate all that we have and honor those that lost their lives that day. We did go ahead with our block party, because if we hadn't the terrorists would've won.

MEK - Thank you for sharing the videoes. I remember when he first performed that song and it still pulls at my heart today.

JUST LIN - So glad you feel better after your rant!!

Tina~in_ut said...

now....i just gotta say....I ain't fucking any terrorists!!! I may shoot them.....but I AM NOT fucking them!!!! just sayin'~

Carol~ B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L-L-Y written blog~ Working in this industry just makes you think a little differently about that day. I'm so glad your business survived. It was such a scary time. I remember being so grateful that our airline wasn't involved, but so sad for those that were. My brother-in-law was flying back to Washington, D.C. that day. My mother-in-law kept calling me until we found him. He ended up in Atlanta and driving a Uhaul home! I'm so sad for those who lost someone and so grateful for those who helped people both here and in Canada~

LynnD~ I loved what you wrote....you are so right~

Zona~ I hope your headache is better soon~ If not, I'm sending a smack for your ass! (i just wanted to be different!) :)~

Mo~ glad you have the day off~ So nice to see you~

grandma moses said...

Carol, ty for this heartfelt blog.
It has been so interesting to read everyone's account of 9/11.
I was watching the news on that morning and heard them discussing the first plane that hit. My son works downtown and I knew he would be getting off the subway at WTC stop around that time. He later told me when he got out everyone was looking up to the North Tower burning. While they were watching the second tower was hit. Everyone stood there watching in shock until the first tower began to fall and then they ran for their lives. He didn't go back to work their for about 6 mos., when they reopened his building. It took only about an hour until he got in touch with me, but I kept trying to call him.
My other 2 sons were involved from further away. My son is a teacher in one of the other boroughs of NYC. From his classroom windows the kids saw the whole thing happen, but they had no idea what was happening.
My other son had just started as a freshman at George Washington University in DC.
When the pentagon was hit, the whole university, which is 1 block from the White House, went into lockdown.
My whole family knew people who lost their lives that day, such a tremendous tragedy.
It will always be remembered.

Carol, as you said the travel business was almost non-existent. My husband and I went to Sydney, Australia the end of November, 2001. We stayed at the Four Seasons hotel in Sydney. The top 6 floors of the hotel were closed off as people from all over the world were afraid of traveling.

I went into downtown Manhattan today and there was a tremendous amount of police presence around. I went to the IFC (infiltrate film culture) center and saw a documentary about another tragedy that struck our country. The name of it is TROUBLE THE WATER. It is about Hurricane Katrina and it was excellent. If you live in a big city (as it is only playing in big cities) it is worth your while to see.

Our country needs a tremendous healing and I hope the next administration can do it. HOPE

Please forgive me if this is too long a post.

Bebbilane said...

Renee Eve: Congrats on first!

J/L: Your post made me laugh!

CpGem: Great job with the blog. I was at work when it happened working in my boss's office helping him with his computer. Someone came by and told me that one of the twin towers were hit by a small plane. Later, I found out it was so much worse!! All of the planes being grounded affected my work too.

God Bless the survivors and family's of the victims/survivors of that horrible day.

grandma moses said...

lynnd, congrats on your new grand baby!!!

iteach said...

I forgot to wear red, white, and blue today! It has bothered me all day.

Tina, remind me next year.

Carol very beautiful blog.

hartldo said...

Sacbarb: Thank you for keeping Kenny in your prayers. He's in a hospital in Houston and Ike is heading their way. Good lord! Don't they have enough problems!?!?

Whabbear: Very well said about religion/god/allah. I couldn't agree more!!

Grandma Moses: Wow! So many personal stories you have about 9/11. I'm sure that was, and still is, a very emotional time for you.

Iteach: I can't believe I didn't wear red, white and blue today either! I had the perfect shirt for the day and didn't even think of it. Doh!

Tina~in_ut said...

iteach~ i'm wearing red, white, and blue...and didn't even realize it until I read your post.

Just_Lin said...

Tina LMAO!!!! I ain't doing it with any terrorists, either!

Just_Lin said...

Bear I agree with Hart. Loved your post.

grandma moses (((HUGS))) to you. So glad your sons were safe. How horribly scary that time must have been for you.

iteach said...

Okay, this is going to sound corny, but I have just declared a four day worryfree holiday for myself.

I'm not going to worry about money, the crooks who take advantage of my grandpa, the presidentail race, my weight, or the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling fan.

To heck with it all, I'm going to have fun!!!

hartldo said...

Yay for iteach! Good for you!!!!

hartldo said...

Now to tell you about where I was on 9/11/01.

I was right here at home with my 3 yr old daughter and my cousin's baby boy, who I baby-sat on a daily basis back then. We were watching Barney. Yes, the purple dinosaur. The phone rang and it was my husband calling from work. He told me that I HAD to turn on the news. He only had a radio there.

I switched the channel to NBC and saw the sad and horrified looks on the faces of Matt and Katie. Then I saw the clips of the first plane hitting one of the towers. I thought, "How on earth did that plane fly so off course?" Then, while still on the phone with my husband, the 2nd plane hit. I KNEW it wasn't a mistake at that point.

I sat there in shock feeding a bottle to the baby and watching my daughter play with her toys on the floor. both of them unaware of the horrors going on in America.

I tried to save my crying for later, but I just couldn't help it. I remember looking at these children and wondering "What kind of world is this for them?!?"

grandma moses said...

iteach, have fun!
just lin, ty for the hugs ~ back at you!

Carol, welcome home! Glad you enjoyed Vegas!!

whabbear said...

Jodi: I'm glad you had that block party! Lots of good interesting stories here.... Fantastic blog, Carol!

September 11 2001:

I was on a business trip to Johnson Space Center (JSC) 7 years ago today! I left the breakfast nook at the Holiday Inn where I was staying, across the street from JSC, at about 8:50 AM. As usual at this hotel, the lobby television was tuned to CNN. The network was covering an aircraft crash into one of the twin towers. Confusion was raging... how could that have happened? Navigation error? Pilot passed out at the controls? What?

As we've all been noting, it wasn't until the second tower was hit that everyone watching in the lobby realized that both collisions were deliberate. Later, as the increasingly horrible events unfolded, all my meetings were cancelled and JSC closed down. I spent the rest of the day in my hotel room, glued to the TV.

I didn't know anyone personally affected, at least immediately, so the major impact was logistic. We were totally in the dark as to when the airlines would resume flying, and I wrestled the next day with whether to jump in my rental car and high-tail it across the country, or trust that air travel would resume.

It would have taken about 4 days to drive home. Eventually, I decided to trust the system, and that turned out to be the right choice... I flew back that Friday (it would have taken until at least Sunday if I'd driven).

And that's it... just one of millions whose lives were disrupted, in various large and small ways, by 9-11.

If I had it to do over? I think maybe I'd have taken the rental car company up on their kind offer, and high-tailed it for home!

Bebbilane said...

Hi All! I hope everyone had a good day. It was always on my mind, all day..especially this morning when I went down to our cafeteria for breakfast. The television channels were all on the memorial and I think everyone was remembering.

Well, I walked 10,703 steps today!! Woo hoo! :)

Whabby: I really liked your post too. It is a blessing we can all worship or not worship whatever higher power we choose. That is one of the freedoms that we really enjoy in this great country and one that the extremists would love to take away from us.

Bebbilane said...

Going to bed..very quiet here. Take care and good night all.

Just_Lin said...

Bebbi Good night. It is very quiet here today. It's a somber day. Maybe we are all in a somber and introspective mood.

night.owls.sb said...

Hi Everyone...

Yes it seems to be a somber day, even here on the nest.

However I am with iteach, tomorrow will be worry free and for the next four days as well. Iteach always seems to brighten things up♥♥♥

night.owls.sb said...

Whabby:
Yes I understood your post, and of course agree, whatever you believe is fine with me, just as long as its not used or honored to kill..

night.owls.sb said...

I read every post today, and realized we all have a story on this dreadful day 7yrs ago. We were all going about our day as we normally do, and all in shock when we realized what happen, so on this day 7yrs ago, we all had something in common, we just did not know it at the time...

night.owls.sb said...

Thanks to everyone who posted their
thoughts today, I appreciate it...

night.owls.sb said...

GMoses:
It is good to see ya on the nest!

night.owls.sb said...

J/L:
Your post cracked me up! LOL...

night.owls.sb said...

Tina:
I agree being in the travel industry, it seems we looked at it a bit differently. My cousin who lost her job is also a travel consultant, as people were not traveling so they laid her off. She now has a amazing job with Blackstone as a corporate travel consultant, she still works in NYC..

night.owls.sb said...

Lynn:
Was the baby born, did I miss it?

sacBarb said...

Hi Carol. Thanks again for the heartfelt tribute today.

It was interesting reading everyone's memories from that day 7 years ago.

It is very quiet in the nest tonight. I hope everyone is OK. I'll check back later.

Just_Lin said...

67

Just_Lin said...

68

Just_Lin said...

69

Just_Lin said...

Ahhhhhh..... That's going to have to hold me for a while.

night.owls.sb said...

J/L:
You want a smoke? :O)

Tinkatia said...

Carol - I am sorry I didn't get back to comment on your post today. It must have taken you a lot of time, effort and emotion to have written it. I was so frightened by 911 I find it hard to put into words how I felt that day. New York was a long way from us in miles but so close to us in our hearts. We wanted so much to help and didn't know how. We were glued to the TV for days. So many images we saw over and over again. They are etched in our minds forever. Please remember that we in Canada felt very strongly about this tragedy too. None of us will ever forget that day. I am going to bed now. I pray we all stay safe in the days ahead. Love, Tinka

Tinkatia said...

73

Tinkatia said...

74

Tinkatia said...

75

Tinkatia said...

Good Night All Owls Everywhere.

Tinkatia said...

78

Tinkatia said...

79

Tinkatia said...

80

Tinkatia said...

Sweet Dreams

night.owls.sb said...

Tinka:
You are as sweet as ever, sleep well, and sweet dreams to you as well...

MEK in AZ said...

Alan Jackson is in TUCSON tonight - how I missed this is beyond me -

anyway - this lady called into the radio station - he was "sound checking" this afternoon and sang "Where were you" - she said all the neighbors were in tears - she said she had "front row, back yard" and couldnt' wait until tonight!!

night.owls.sb said...

I am off to bed...

Good Nite...

See ya all tomorrow...

♥♥♥

night.owls.sb said...

Mek:
I think Alan Jackson is terrific, sorry you missed it...

iteach said...

Carefree Jennifer just made a whole bunch of treats for the teacher's lounge tomorrow.

Every Friday we take turns bringing treats and tomorrow is my day!

I did have fun cooking, I'm trying new receipes. That is always fun.

night.owls.sb said...

J/L:
Since I am off to bed, If you want that smoke, ask Mo, she has them!!

:O)

MEK in AZ said...

Tinka, good nite..

cpgem - again, thank you for your words today!! I've been watching memorial things most of the day..

Tonight - I have going to watch "the last lecture" on PBS - it starts in 10 minutes..

night.owls.sb said...

iteach:
That sounds so yummy, any rice krispie (sp) treats, they are one of my favorite treats..

Enjoy tomorrow...

MEK in AZ said...

Nite, cpgem!!

Iteach - nothing better than Friday treat day!!!

night.owls.sb said...

Mek:
I can't here ya, as I am marching...

night.owls.sb said...

92

night.owls.sb said...

93

night.owls.sb said...

94

night.owls.sb said...

MOVE I AM ALMOST THERE!!!!

night.owls.sb said...

96

MEK in AZ said...

oh I see a march happening..

MEK in AZ said...

RUN!!!!!!

MEK in AZ said...

RUN!!!!!!

night.owls.sb said...

SHIT, I STUBBED MY TOE! OUCH!!!!

iteach said...

I did not make them Carol, but my mother-in-law makes the best rice krispie treats in the whole wide world.

MEK in AZ said...

I got FOAD!!!!

night.owls.sb said...

Who got it?

iteach said...

Good job Carol!

MEK in AZ said...

cpgem - i tried to trip you - but you WON..

doing the HAPPY DANCE FOR YOU!!!!

Now - you will sleep well..

night.owls.sb said...

Geez, I think I subbed my toe on a rice krispie treat :O)

MEK in AZ said...

cpgem - YOU GOT IT!!!

iteach said...

MEK- Good night and sweet dreams!

Carol- thanks for a beautiful blog and have a carefree day tomorrow.

night.owls.sb said...

HA!!!

♪♪ Happy Dance ♪♪

♪♪ Happy Dance ♪♪

my 100 was for MEK ♥♥♥♥

MEK in AZ said...

Iteach - good nite to you!!!

cpgem - you won that ALL by yourself!!

it was fun marching with you..

night.owls.sb said...

iteach:
Thank you!! for being beautiful you!

:O)

night.owls.sb said...

When I saw your comment, it just got me going... Like the good ole days
;O)

night.owls.sb said...

Gosh, now I want a rice krispie treat! (stamping my feet and pouting)

night.owls.sb said...

Ok, my owl friends.. My bed is calling me, now I wonder what its calling me....

Any guesses....

Nite

:O)

night.owls.sb said...

Mek:
Thanks for the march, you are the best...

Oh, almost forgot...
Zona:
Hope you feel better, and here is some Happy Blue just for you
♥♥♥

MEK in AZ said...

Tina will have to tell you what your bed is calling you..

OH man, "The Last Lecture" is NOT coming on like the guide says..

bummer..

oh well.......

I think I'll shut it down for the night and read......

I hope everyone has an excellent Friday.
:-)

Tina~in_ut said...

CRACKWHORE!~

Just_Lin said...

Carol No smoke for me, thanks. I finally quit 2 1/2 yrs ago and I'd be afraid to have even one. Great march to 100! Sweet dreams!

MEK Good race to 100!

Just_Lin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Just_Lin said...

Sorry, I double posted by accident.

DreamaTexas said...

I finally have a spare minute to write.
Carol your blog was beautifully written. In a past blog I wrote about the lady in NYC that I was in diamond transactions with via EBay the day we were attacked. All of her long e-mails and her heart break will stay in me forever.
F_ck terroists.
F-ck all of these hurricanes.
Um, and Custard is a Cus_turd.

DreamaTexas said...

PS
Just Lin if you and he do work the issues out then excuse my turd remark.
xoxo

Maureen said...

DREAMA...did you evacuate?

Just_Lin said...

Dreama No problem. I keep calling him an Ass! I hope you are warm and safe.

Just_Lin said...

Ronnie You too! I have not forgotten you and I hope you will remain safe during this next hurricane.

Lynn D said...

Good Evening everyone!

Well after a long day and then an emergency C section, We have a healthy baby boy Richard Blaine. 7 pounds one ounce, twenty inches long and lungs that are extremely healthy!

He is quite beautiful and very cute. I took a couple of pictures that I hope will turn out and will post them tomorrow. I only got a few as he really did not like the camera flash! LOL

I am exhausted and will check in with you all tomorrow.

Lynn D said...

See I am freaking tired. Mom is doing good but will be in the hospital until Sunday.

Ok really going to bed now.

Just_Lin said...

LynnD Woo hoo!! Congrats, Grandma! And welcome to our world, Richard Blaine!

whabbear said...

'weenie!! What a personal question!

Shocked, I am!

sacBarb said...

LynnD, Congrats to the whole family on the new arrival. Glad Mom and baby are doing well.

Jodi said...

LYNN D - Congrats Grandma!!! Glad that your daughter is doing well....and kisses to the baby. :D

hartldo said...

Oh, what happy news Lynn! CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY!!!!!

iteach said...

Hip Hip Hooray for Richard Blaine!

Richard Blain sounds very nice together. I like saying it.