What I Remember on 9/11
I always seem to be in New York in the middle of September and this year is no different, as I'm there next week. Still, it's hard to believe it's been 15 years since the terrorist attacks. I wrote most of what's below on 9/12/01, but first published this post in 2012. It still reflects my feelings today and reminds me how everyone's story changed that day.
I say that I'll always remember what happened on 9/11/01, and of course the major details are seared in my brain like unwanted branding. However, when I reread the email exchanges I had on 9/12-14, I see some of my facts have already faded.
My story isn't tragic or sad, but when I think about what I'll tell my kids, I believe I'll hand them the unedited version of an email exchange I had with a friend from work.
So if you're interested, this is how my story from 9/11 unfolded...{details in these brackets just added}
I had an 8 am flight to NY on Tuesday. We were making our initial descent into NY at 9:15 - seat belt lights were on, seat backs up, etc. Then the pilot said we had traffic ahead and would have to make a turn or two before landing. Twenty minutes later he came on the speaker and said ( in a frustrated voice) that NY was currently "not accepting ANY incoming air traffic" and that we were being redirected to Raleigh, NC. He said he "couldn't get an answer" from Air Traffic control as to why we were being redirected, but that he'd let us know. He sarcastically said, "it's clearly not a weather problem" (it was beautiful outside).
Of course, I didn't think any of this sounded right. I pictured something bigger going on - like a crash at La Guardia or something. So, I used the airphone on the plane (which I NEVER do) to call Corrie {my co-worker in Atlanta} and ask her to rebook me into Philly or someplace closer to NY. When she got on the phone, the first words out of her mouth were, "are you in NY yet?" Then she asked me if I had heard what had happened - obviously I hadn't. As soon as she briefed me, I grabbed a flight attendant and asked her if she knew what was going on - she didn't. I told her and then watched her go up to the front of the plane to tell the pilots. I got off the phone with Corrie and asked her to book me on a flight back to Atlanta - or to get me a car - or bus - or something. Then I called David {my boss} in NY - as he was telling me the news, I started repeating what he was saying to everyone seated around me. I was reading an article today by Peggy Noonan and she was talking about a phone conversation she had with her son that he was relaying to the kids around him - "in a crisis, everyone turns into a news anchor." I was the anchor on our plane.
When we arrived in Raleigh, ground crew were literally running from all over to prepare our flight for arrival. I wondered why they were so enthusiastic - only later did I realize that they were running because a bunch of redirected planes were landing from all over. When I got off the plane, I couldn't get a land line out to anywhere and my cell phone only worked going to the office (odd!!) Corrie had been trying to get me a car and was unsuccessful. People were milling around - there was no TV to be seen (also odd) and I realized that I had better get outta Dodge! I then ran (I kid you not - I ran) to the Hertz bus. I see two guys sitting in the back who look normal.
"Do you guys have a car reserved?" "Yes." (looking at each other like I might be scaring them) "Where are you driving to?" "Atlanta." "Great - do you mind taking an extra passenger along?" "Uh - no - sure."
I was fired up - I was going home!!! The lines were already out of control at the parking lot. My "driver" Steve waited an hour in line. As I waited outside, the buses from the terminal were coming in PACKED OUT. Soon the supervisor was outside telling the bus drivers to park and NOT pick up any more people. Again - I was just thrilled to be there. As I was sitting around, I called Billy and my parents. They told me about the WTC collapsing - unbelievable. Finally, Steve and his colleague Burt and I were on the road for our 7-hour drive back to Atlanta. They work for Home Depot in the corporate office and were really great. We listened to the coverage on the way home - but also took breaks from it. I didn't actually see any footage until about 7 at night.
Steve and Burt dropped me off at Atlanta's airport - which was eerily quiet. I was literally the only person in the parking lot when I went to get my car. The freeways were wide open - everyone was home watching TV. All and all - it was a surreal day.
I know this is probably more info than you wanted to know, but it's probably good to write it down. Thanks for asking!!
My colleague's reply email reminds me how fearful those first few days were. I also notice the kindness in his words. Everyone was so nice to each other that fall.
Joy- I am so glad that you're safe. Your story is really something. You're so lucky.. no make that blessed to be able to return home so quickly and so safely. Between us, what are your thoughts on the nature of our jobs with the extensive amount of air travel now? How soon will you be boarding another flight?
Take care and give my best to your family and everyone in ATL. Respects,
My final response to the email thread, below, was written on 9/14. I haven't been nearly so grateful for each day as I was on that day, so it helps me to read these thoughts again.
Thanks for your note - - I realize now that I didn't really grant God the thanks He deserves in keeping me safe.
Between us, I'm not really worried about air travel any more than normal. I would honestly fly today. Do we need to improve security? Absolutely. Is it risky? Yes. However, I have always believed that we live in a dangerous world and that we aren't guaranteed tomorrow. It's only by God's grace that we moment by moment have the gift of life. It's just that all of this makes me more thankful for that gift.
I'm in mourning like everyone else. It's a really difficult time. I went to a service at my church on Tuesday night and the speaker went through a great story in the Bible (2 Chronicles 20 - in case you want to read the whole thing). In the account, the king of Israel is under attack by three nations. He calls everyone to prayer and leads the nation in a very cool prayer (excerpts below).
"O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you..... if calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgement, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us...... O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
I love that last part - " we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."
That is where I am trying to keep my eyes (honestly - the TV is the biggest distraction for my eyes at the moment). Hope you can make it to a place of prayer today. I can't wait!!!
Joy
Whatever your story is from 2001 or from today, my hope is you'll remember and pray for those who are hurting and sad. We should always remember to pray.