There are events that cut so deeply into our psyche that they become markers by which we measure the chapters of our lives. Some are personal, like the death of a parent; some are regional, like an earthquake or hurricane; and a few touch an entire nation and even the world.
The events, both positive and negative, which deeply mark my life include: the death of President John F. Kennedy, the death of my father, the night I met my future husband, my wedding day, the births of both my sons, the Challenger space shuttle disaster, Hurricane Hugo, and now the attacks of September 11, 2001.
There are the things that come before and after these markers – for instance “There were 20 trees in this yard before Hurricane Hugo” or “I moved to the Isle of Palms after my father died”. Most importantly, we always remember exactly where we were “when”.
I had just walked into the MUSC ER break room to put my lunch in the refrigerator and noticed several doctors, nurses and techs standing completely motionless while staring at the television. A feeling of dread washed over me, and I turned just in time to see the second airplane hit the second tower. I believe everyone said “NO!” in unison. I was in complete disbelief. I kept telling myself that everything would still be alright – right up until the first tower started to fall. My brain still could not accept the images my eyes were sending it. When the second tower started crumbling to the ground, I felt overwhelming despair. I was in South Carolina – over 700 miles away – but felt as though I had been personally attacked.
I don’t remember the rest of the day or even how I got home. I do remember it took DAYS for me to even accept that what I saw on the television that day really happened. I kept hoping that it would eventually be revealed that the entire broadcast community had collaborated to pull off an elaborate hoax. Tragically, it was all too real.
The attacks of September 11, 2001 have obviously changed the world forever. Now when discussing issues like civil rights and air travel, our daily realities are divided into “before 9/11″ and “after 9/11″. But today is not a day to discuss politics. Today is a day to remember the thousands of lives lost and to honor the emergency responders who ran into instead of away from burning, collapsing buildings, and to celebrate the passenger/heroes of United Flight 93.
This is what I remember. Where were you on 9/11/01? I’d love to hear your story.
