We were vacationing in Madeira Beach, FL, as we do most years. It was a beautiful morning with barely a cloud in the sky, and nothing to portend what was about to happen.Hubs and I had gone to John's Pass to buy him some flip flops. We walked into the beach shop and as usual, there was a radio on. However, it wasn't blaring the usual Top 40, rock, rap, or whatever was the clerk's choice that day.
Instead what we heard was news. We heard words like "attack" and "World Trade Tower". "Is that real" we asked? A quiet 'yes' was the response.
Like everyone else we strained to hear every detail. Our country was under attack. There had been attacks on Americans before, but this was larger and more deadly than anything previously in my lifetime.
For me, stunned and shaken were understatements. Already there were three planes down, thousands of lives lost, and the landmark World Trade Towers lay in ruins. The terrorists used our planes as weapons against us. At that moment no one knew the full extent of the attack. Would there be more? The situation was frightening and there were questions on everyone's minds and concern on their lips.
Outside the skies were silent. It was an eerie sound. Yes, silence was an eerie sound that day. On any given day you would see planes coming and going over the Gulf, some pulling advertising banners, others carrying passengers far and wide. Instead of the roar of the jets and buzz of single engines, silence ensued. All planes were grounded.
We seldom watched TV on vacation but now the TV was nearly always on. It was heartbreaking to watch as we suffered with those who lost friends and family. We felt pride for New Yorkers, and for heroic citizens everywhere as they pulled together. The wave of fear that washed over our nation was quickly replaced with outrage.
This tragic event brought about much grief and suffering, but it also united a country against those determined to destroy us. Americans are strong. We won't be broken, and we won't back down.
We will always remember where we were that day. As a nation, it has been carved into the steel of our resolve.
Written for the Tribal Blogs 9/11 Tribute.
The quiet that followed the attacks was eerie and unsettling. I couldn't turn the tv off for days, partly to drown out the quiet outside of no planes in the sky.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't even seem like ten years, more like yesterday. Still very fresh in my mind...and heart.
Jen- We take for granted the sights and sounds of every day life. But when they aren't there, their absence is very noticeable.
ReplyDelete"At that moment no one knew the full extent of the attack. Would there be more?"
ReplyDeleteThat was probably one of the most terrifying parts for me. The NOT knowing WHEN and IF it would end. Or what could possibly happen next.
"This tragic event brought about much grief and suffering, but it also united a country against those determined to destroy us. Americans are strong. We won't be broken, and we won't back down."
Amen, Linda.
Amen.
So horrid it was hard to believe it was even true. I still feel disoriented over it. It changed everything for everyone.
ReplyDeleteMeleah- The other frightening part to me was that the terrorists could get that close to us and use our planes against us.
ReplyDeleteLinda- At first we didn't believe it was real. Up until we walked into the store, we had heard no news (part of being on vacation).
I'll never forget the shock and horror when we all realized that it wasn't an accident.
ReplyDeleteHey, my comment disappeared!! I had said:
ReplyDeleteI remember the horror I felt when it happened and I still feel the horror when I remember...
The most horrific thing I have ever witnessed and I will never forget. Even from across the pond the shock and horror was felt.
ReplyDeleteMama Zen- It was a sickening feeling when it became apparent it was no accident, but that we were an intentional target.
ReplyDeleteNicky- I don't know why comments disappear sometimes - happens to me to. We will always remember!
Babs- Indeed, so many were touched, either personally or as our friends.
The thing that struck me most is how strange it was that everyday life was going on at the same time. You were with your husband buying flip flops and the surreal was happening at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI felt that way myself -- I was changing diapers and yet the unspeakable was happening at the same time. That was such a wild event to experience.
What an amazing idea for a post. I was at work, at the children's hospital I work at. I know the very ramp I was walking down when someone said, "Did you hear about the world trade center? A plane hit it!" I found a TV and watched it unfold in complete horror. I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just normal for every American to get chills reading about someone's account of that day, even as someone on vacation or in a classroom like I was. Great post!
ReplyDeleteKeith- It helps to share our stories with each other and see it from other people's perspective.
ReplyDeletePlease watch this 9/11 tribute and remember
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnDyfgoKkEg