It's been 15 years and I still can't believe that the terror attacks in New York and Washington are a reality. I still live in Connecticut in a heavy commuter area to the city. Yet, I remember my story on 9/11 quite clearly.
I was a junior in High School and sitting in English class when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. A girl named, Lauren Penner, walked into class late and said a plane had hit one of the towers. We all thought it was an accident, which seemed weird because it was a bright blue, warm, sunny day. I remember feeling that the world felt off in a huge way. I have ESP and felt something was very wrong even before Lauren came in, but I was 15 years old, so what did I know? It wasn't until later in that same class that the principal came on the loud speaker announcing that there was a terrorist attack. The principal stated that we should continue classes as normal and for teachers to not turn on the TVs or radios. I believe he made this decision because many students had parents who worked in the city or the towers themselves. Needless to say teachers did not follow that direction and classes did not continue as normal. We went to class, but did not do lessons that day. Students were getting called down to the office after every period with instructions on what to do after school or getting picked up. I was told to go to a family friend's house as all after school activities were cancelled.
I honestly didn't know the towers were gone till 3pm when I saw it on TV. After the initial announcement I was in a haze the rest of the day at school. It was a blur of tears, anger and shock. My parents worked locally, so they were safe. I personally did not lose anyone that day. However, 2,977 people lost their lives. I would go into New York every so often with my family and can't remember if we were there in August of 2000 or 2001 to meet my mother's English cousin for the first time, but I remember the towers being there. Now , they're gone.
Two months later, I wanted to see the Rocky Horror Show Live on Broadway, so my dad bought us two tickets. It was on Black Friday, one of the busiest days in the city. My dad wanted to see the wreckage since the show was at 2. My dad
had to see it.
After we got off the subway, we walked to the site. A lot was still blocked off, but what I remember most is the smell. It smelt like burnt death. I saw the partially gone Marriott Hotel and the waffle pattern steal. I felt so overwhelmed because I closed my eyes and the towers were still there, but when I opened them it was a war zone. What got to me most was that I turned away from site to see a McDonald's express, where the windows were smashed and debris was littered inside. It was unbearable. There are too many ghosts.
Last time I was in that area of NYC, the 9/11 memorial was open to visitors. I didn't go. I felt too sad being there. Part of me wants to visit the memorial because I went to the Pentagon memorial, which was beautiful. However, there are too many ghosts in that area. Some spirits, like those in grief, just can't move on. Maybe one day I'll try to go there, but like Auschwitz, it may be a place that I just can't go to.
Now, 15 years later, the day started out cloudy with a bit of rain, but later turned into a beautiful, partly cloudy day. I teach 9/11 to my 5th grade students. They know about the Towers, but I chose to tell them about flight 93. Those people did something to stop their plane. They saved lives even though they lost theirs to do it. I tell the students about Ben Sliney, whose first day as operations manager of the FAA was 9/11 and how he made the decision to ground all planes and lose billions of dollars instead of risk more death. 15 years happened in a blink of an eye, yet live has moved on as it must.
Terror attacks still go on throughout the world. While many are from ISIS not Al Queida. I am always aware of my surroundings and know where the exits are. I know that no one is ever truly safe and tomorrow is promised to no one. I remember those that senselessly died in a tragedy. I am thankful that I have people that I care about in my life. I get to keep them for now. I will always remember what happened and how it changed the world.
