10 years ago today, I was in my 2nd year of university. That morning, I had an early class and as I walked to the classroom, I noticed a number of people watching a television in the hallway. I thought nothing of it and attended class. Afterwards, I headed to our team room as I was on the basketball team at that time. When I walked in, it was empty, however CJOB News was playing on the radio. I remember thinking this was odd as it was never on anything but Hot 103. After a few moments, I started to listen and absorb what had happened in New York city so far. Moments later, the second plane hit.
At that moment, I remember that I felt that I could not go on with my day any longer. Myself, and a few other teammates went to one of their nearby apartments and spent the day watching the news in pure unbelief that what happened was in fact, reality. I remember seeing the people jump from 100 story's up, I remember seeing the first building fall, I remember hearing the screams and seeing the terror in peoples eyes. No matter what, we could not bring ourselves to turn the TV off.
Eventually, it was time for us to return to school as we had a practice scheduled. I remember feeling an immense amount of guilt, as I could not simply return to my life, knowing that others whole worlds were crumbling before their eyes.
When I returned home that night, my Mom and I resumed watching the news, until my Dad came home after a long day of school and meetings. He had not been able to see any of the footage up until that point and was now seeing it for the first time. After an hour or two, I remember my parents saying that it was time to turn it off. As hard as it was for all of us, we needed to as otherwise we probably would have watched all night long.
To this day, I struggle seeing any pictures or footage of the events of that day. I do not understand how something like that can happen. As much as I do not agree with many of the decisions that the United States has made since that day, I know it is something I will never be able to understand. Instead, today I will pray for the families who are still grieving for their lost ones. I will pray for the city that was rocked to its very core. I will pray for the leaders who continue to make decisions in an attempt to keep our country and the United States safe. I will pray for peace.
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Seems so long ago, yet not so long. So much has happened since then in our lives. I can't help but think of all the families who say daily, "If only....were here to share this with us". Can you imagine all the events we have experienced, and how different they would be had we lost someone at that time and under those circumstances? I too remember where I was, and how quiet the skies were without any airplanes. Can't say I really noticed them before, but I did notice their absence. Once again, a reminder to enjoy every day, and appreciate how lucky we all are.
ReplyDeleteYes Lee, that's what we all need to pray for - Peace for all....
ReplyDeleteYour memories encourage us to remember what happened ten years ago today, to pray for peace, and to be thankful for the abundant goodness in our lives.
Thank you.