WTC: Does it ever just hit you........

Chat about anything and everything... (well almost anything) Whether it be the front porch or the pot belly stove or news of interest or a topic of your liking, this is the place to post it.

Moderator: S2k Moderators

Message
Author
Miss Mary

WTC: Does it ever just hit you........

#1 Postby Miss Mary » Mon May 26, 2003 7:56 am

First off, September 11th is a very recent memory to most of us I imagine. It is with me. But does it ever just hit you that you can't believe the Trade Towers are gone? I was shopping at the mall the other day with my daughter. We saw a clock/mural of Manhatten for sale. All lit up, a nightime shot. Of course the towers were in this scene. It just hit us both standing there. Laura went up to it and touched it even. Then we walked off, in a quiet way. Later on I asked her if it ever hits her like a ton of bricks that it happened. She said yes, it still seems like it was a scene straight out of a disaster movie. I honestly believe I will always feel like this. When I'm suddenly reminded of that day, and it doesn't take much to do that, you just want to get on your knees and cry like a baby. And pray for all the unfortunate souls that were caught in harm's way. At the Pentagon too and the ill fated planes.

I know this doesn't have much to do with Memorial Day, but maybe in a way it does. When you consider all the brave Firefighters and Police Officers who lost their lives on that awful day. Not exactly a War but a War scene.

Thoughts anyone? I don't mean to stir up bad memories for anyone but I've thought of this a lot. And I cry often for all the victims, I think I always will. One remaining belief I have though is this - they are ALL in Heaven right now. That is the only comforting thing I can come up with. And maybe it did renew our Patriotic Spirit, which was almost nonexistent at times before 9-11.

I truly think I will always feel this way: I know it happened, I watched the live coverage, and saw the many, many horrific pictures, but it's still almost too much for the human spirit to comprehend.
Last edited by Miss Mary on Mon May 26, 2003 8:04 am, edited 3 times in total.
0 likes   

User avatar
weatherwunder
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 1098
Age: 62
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 2:21 pm
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Contact:

#2 Postby weatherwunder » Mon May 26, 2003 7:59 am

I was recently in NYC on business, and have been there many times. This was the first trip for me since September 11 (I was there on Sept 9, 2001). I don't cry too much, but when I went to the site of the WTC's, it all hit me, and I stood there and wept for several minutes.

It is still hard to believe, and I am not sure that it will ever sink in all the way for me.

Great post Miss Mary!
0 likes   

User avatar
weatherwunder
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 1098
Age: 62
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 2:21 pm
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Contact:

#3 Postby weatherwunder » Mon May 26, 2003 8:01 am

I was in Boston at a Conference recently, and had dinner with a woman that was on the 30th floor of the WTC when the attack happened. She had an amazing story. It was amazing to listen to her tell of her experience. It really touched me.
0 likes   

Miss Mary

#4 Postby Miss Mary » Mon May 26, 2003 8:06 am

Weatherwunder, you should share that story with us, if you care to. So glad she got out.
0 likes   

Rainband

#5 Postby Rainband » Mon May 26, 2003 9:57 am

Great post Mary...I feel the same way. We all lost a peice of ourselves that day. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: I am also gald she got out WW.
0 likes   

User avatar
wx247
S2K Supporter
S2K Supporter
Posts: 14279
Age: 41
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2003 10:35 pm
Location: Monett, Missouri
Contact:

#6 Postby wx247 » Mon May 26, 2003 10:22 am

Yep. Even if we didn't know anyone there or near there. I feel empty sometimes, but what his done most to me is make me feel unsafe and unsecure at many places I go. I know that is what they want to do, and with me they accomplished their goal unfortunately. :cry: :(
0 likes   
Personal Forecast Disclaimer:
The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or storm2k.org. For official information, please refer to the NHC and NWS products.

User avatar
mf_dolphin
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 17758
Age: 68
Joined: Tue Oct 08, 2002 2:05 pm
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Contact:

#7 Postby mf_dolphin » Mon May 26, 2003 10:32 am

I haven't been to New York since September 11th. I don't know how I'll react when I do return to the "City". I'm sure there will be a feeling of lose once again. :-( I had the opportunity of eating at the "Windows on the World" resteraunt several times and now will never again...

I was in a plane that morning flying to western Pennsylvania and got diverted to Cincinnati. I still have my boarding pass from that day. I will never forget watching towers fall. While the lose of life was terrible, it was a miracle that more weren't killed. I will also never forget the sound of my wife's voice when I was able to call her and let her know I was ok. The tears started as soon as she heard my voice. I guess I picked a good one this time :-)
0 likes   

User avatar
Stephanie
S2K Supporter
S2K Supporter
Posts: 23843
Age: 63
Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2003 9:53 am
Location: Glassboro, NJ

#8 Postby Stephanie » Mon May 26, 2003 10:44 am

Marshall - I didn't know that you were on a plane that was diverted that day!

I'm sure that I will be shedding a few tears the next time I do visit NYC. Most of my family that lived on Long Island are dead now. We always took the Verizanno Narrows bridge into Brooklyn and rode the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the Island. It was always a beautiful sight to behold as you're crossing that bridge and then riding by the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhatten bridge. The World Trade Center stood grandly across the way and the Statue of Liberty shown in the harbor. I will always remember one Chirstmas Eve when we had recently moved to New Jersey we were riding back to my Grandmother's for the holiday. The whole city was lit up - not very unusual, but it was just so beautiful. It is just one sight I will always remember, and in a way, I liken it to a viewing. I want to always remember them as they were, not as they are currently.

Miss Mary - this is a great topic for this Memorial Day! Thank you! :usa
0 likes   

Miss Mary

#9 Postby Miss Mary » Mon May 26, 2003 10:54 am

Marshall, you were diverted to Cincy? Didn't know that. I remember local news segments from the airport that day. Trying to help people find rental cars and rooms for the night. Did you drive home to FL from there? Or stay a few days? I would have ridden a bike to get home had I been stranded that day. My dental hygenist and her husband were stranded in Vancouver. She said they were so nice to them in Canada, so sympathetic. They held a moment of silence and prayer after hearing the news (they were at a convention). From there it was a scramble to get a car and drive home.

I agree Stephanie, I'd like to remember the towers as they were. I was able to visit the inside oberservation deck in 93. The view was incredible. I remember looking over at Windows on the World, which was closed b/c of the bombing and thinking I'm not so sure I'd like to eat dinner so high up. Heard it was a wonderful experience though. The thing that stuck in my memory was the gift shop up there - all glass: doors, shelves, counter top. And then of course many breakables: mugs, shotglasses, etc. All of it coming down. I was in complete shock when the first one came down. I never thought they'd collapse. Then of course you knew the second one was coming down, it was just a matter of time.

I firmly believe September 11, 2001 will be the saddest day our country has ever faced. And I'm old enough to remember President's Kennedy's Assassination. Only 8 then but I vividly remember that day. Until 9-11 I didn't think any tragedy could top JFK.
0 likes   

User avatar
southerngale
Retired Staff
Retired Staff
Posts: 27418
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2002 1:27 am
Location: Southeast Texas (Beaumont area)

#10 Postby southerngale » Mon May 26, 2003 11:07 am

I know exactly how you feel Miss Mary. I often just stop and think about that day and say, "I can't believe the World Trade Center is gone. I can't believe an airplane hit our Pentagon." etc. It is truly unbelievable. I cry for all the victims of that horrific day and the families who are left to carry on without their loved ones. Sometimes, for instance, something will get me to thinking about what the people on one of the airplanes went through, and how terrifying it was for them and my heart literally breaks and I get sick to my stomach. Or of the young man in the WTC who looks out of his window and sees an airplane heading for him. I can't imagine what they went through and it really makes me me so mad when I think about it. I am not one who thinks we should let the events of that day go into the back of our minds. Just like Darryl Worley's song, "If it was up to me, I'd show it every day." I'm not sure about every day, but I don't think the tragic events of that day should be pushed aside. We all need to remember.

It was such a freaky, surreal day. I remember so well the feeling of not knowing what was going to happen next and fearing for our President, for our neighbors, for everyone, because just when we thought it couldn't get worse, it did...over and over.

I will never forget...
0 likes   
Please support Storm2k by making a donation today. It is greatly appreciated! Click here: Image

Image my Cowboys Image my RocketsImage my Astros

User avatar
wx247
S2K Supporter
S2K Supporter
Posts: 14279
Age: 41
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2003 10:35 pm
Location: Monett, Missouri
Contact:

#11 Postby wx247 » Mon May 26, 2003 11:36 am

Southerngale... you summed up my feelings so well. I agree... I will never forget as well! :(
0 likes   
Personal Forecast Disclaimer:
The posts in this forum are NOT official forecast and should not be used as such. They are just the opinion of the poster and may or may not be backed by sound meteorological data. They are NOT endorsed by any professional institution or storm2k.org. For official information, please refer to the NHC and NWS products.

User avatar
therock1811
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 5163
Age: 39
Joined: Thu May 15, 2003 2:15 pm
Location: Kentucky
Contact:

#12 Postby therock1811 » Mon May 26, 2003 12:11 pm

I will never forget 9-11. I was in school that morning, had just got in to my 2nd block Spanish class and my aide came in and said to turn on the TV. For the rest of the morning we just stared at the TV in total disbelief, and it does still hit me now that the twin towers are gone. I was there barely 9 months afterwards, and we drove past the site. It was extremely sobering.
0 likes   

Rainband

#13 Postby Rainband » Mon May 26, 2003 12:31 pm

I think the word never was redefined that day..I never thought terrorists would attack our homeland..I never thought the towers would fall...Now I will never forget..never take anything for granted and never feel how I did before 911. That day changed us all..I for one lost a peice of the trust I always felt towards people and the feeling that we are safe in America...One good thing did come from september 11th..It united this country and made us stronger..it's sad we had to pay such a high price for that to happen..but they say everything happens for a reason..I am still searching for the reason September 11th 2001 took place and think I will till the day I die!!
0 likes   

David
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 4517
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2003 9:47 pm
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Contact:

#14 Postby David » Mon May 26, 2003 12:40 pm

Sept. 11th could of been way worse, if it wasn't for the brave people on Flight 93. I know I heard that only 4 people(I think) above the impact zone, got out. That means an average of 2 per tower! And, the 2nd plane that hit hit around the 60-70th floor, leaving many above. I remember hearing something on a TV special about someone in the South tower, they said everything was safe, and you could go back to your offices, about 30 seconds later, the plane hit. If the people on Flight 93 didn't know about the other attacks, I belive they wouldn't of done anything, but they knew of both towers, and the Pentagon. If this plane would of been first, it probably would of reached the intended target. New York City and America will never be the same, ever. The USA can never have something like this happen again, but if you have to look at a positive side, it brought all of America together. Seeing all the flags out made me proud. My school did a fundraiser the Monday after 9/11, we sold yellow ribbions made by students for one week, and we raised 501 dollars. We sent that money and a banner with everyone's signature to NYC.
0 likes   

Rainband

#15 Postby Rainband » Mon May 26, 2003 1:03 pm

This is a poem I wrote that explains how I feel!! I posted it back in FEB but feel it's appropriate in this thread.

Growing up as a boy, I was aware of anger, hatred and terror. My parents did their best to shield me from this but I knew from the news and TV shows it was there. I never let it get the best of me until September 11th, 2001; now I have sadness in my eyes. I have a permenant reminder burned into my memory of those planes hitting the WTC and the Pentagon. After the tragic events of 9/11 I am a changed individual and I have sadness in my eyes. I walk down the street now and look over my shoulder and wonder if they are among us still. I lost the trust and tranquilty of being an American and wondered if Id ever get it back now I know I never will. I have sadness in my eyes...I lost of piece of myself that tragic day and believe we all did too in some strange way. We once were a country filled with all different breeds supporting and sheltering thats what america means. But now it's so different so strange and so cruel so much doubt distrust and hatred have split us in two. The ones that look like they might be, they could be ,they are. The meaning of freedom has been stretched so far. While we once trusted our neighbor and supported our friends we are split in many directions and there seems to be no end. Now I walk down the street but the tears don't roll down my face they are tucked down deep inside me in this mysterious place. This place that I speak of was not always there but it was born that day out of anger, hatred and fear..we all lost something that day though it may not be clear..we lost the ability to trust and now live in fear. So if you think I don't trust you it's sad but it may be true. I lost something that tragic day and you did too. We lost lost a piece of ourselves will we ever get it back ; each night I pray, Ipray, we will


By John Robert Bieckmann Feb 15, 2003
0 likes   

User avatar
azskyman
S2K Supporter
S2K Supporter
Posts: 4104
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 7:36 am
Location: Scottsdale Arizona
Contact:

#16 Postby azskyman » Mon May 26, 2003 4:38 pm

Mary...that day both gave us something and took something away.

It gave us a new sense of American pride and appreciation...for fallen heroes and people like you and I...an awareness too.

It took away a sense of security and comfort...the belief that this country was somehow invulnerable. That war and hate and horrific things only happened in other places. Not in the USA.

We cry for the loss of lives, for our lost innocence, and for finding hope that goodness and security can somehow become as real for our children as it was to us....before 9/11.

It hits me often...as you describe it.

And it is profoundly sad.
0 likes   

User avatar
mf_dolphin
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 17758
Age: 68
Joined: Tue Oct 08, 2002 2:05 pm
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Contact:

#17 Postby mf_dolphin » Mon May 26, 2003 7:35 pm

Miss Mary, when we got the the rental car places that day it was an empty parking lot! This is except for the line of people (must have been 200) trying to get cars! The few cars that did get returned were handed out first come first served. I was traveling with ine of our sales people that day and we just happened to get lucky. A couple of guys that had gotten lucky came down the line and asked it a lift to Atlanta would help anyone. We jumped on the chance and luckily our travel agent found us a car in Chatanooga TN. One of our other sales guys was stranded in Atlanta and we picked him up and drove straight back. We left that morning on a 7AM flight and got back home at 4 AM the following day. Made it back from Cincinnati in 13.5 hours :-) We were like a low flying plane that day. Never felt so good to feel my wife's arms around me. Had to go in and give the girls a kiss that night as well :-)
0 likes   

User avatar
JQ Public
Category 5
Category 5
Posts: 4488
Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2003 1:17 am
Location: Cary, NC

#18 Postby JQ Public » Mon May 26, 2003 10:33 pm

I know what you mean mary! I remember visiting nyc when i was younger and seeing the towers, but now they are no more. Its still hard to fathom.
0 likes   

pojo
Military Member
Military Member
Posts: 8016
Age: 43
Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2003 9:16 pm
Location: Houston

#19 Postby pojo » Mon May 26, 2003 11:07 pm

I only had one class that dreadful day and my mind kept telling me there was something wrong...something horribly wrong. I couldn't quite make it out...possibly family issues, or life issues. Because of my body giving me clues of some sort, I turned on my computer and MSN came up with "attack on America"...ok, I'm thinking...someone's playing a joke on me...But I turned on the TV..and ALL the cable channels had coverage on! Yes, ALL of the channels...even the campus news network! I received a phone call from my mom asking if I was aware of the tradegy out east. Yes, I was and asked her if everyone in the family was ok...and thankfully, they were. Ironically, my gut feeling was giving me hints about the WTC's!!! I also received a phone call from my Aquatics boss at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA. He noted that the American Red Cross (Neenah-Menasha division) wanted me to go to NYC...Yes me! Because it was the start of the semester and the session at the Y was just starting my Aquatics boss refused the offer saying that my college education comes first and that I was needed to serve my duties at the Y! Several of my bosses had to turn down the offer from the ARC! To this day, I'm torn with their decision, but I know they were be accountable with an employee, and a student's future in college.

I started walking to class at noon and it was a somber feeling on campus...no one was talking and if they were the tone was down to a whisper. The University Union was packed with onlookers. You could barely get through to witness the changes going on!!! As for my class, my professor noted the development out east, but he also went on with class. He cut class short that day, and asked all his students to call their parents. Our homework was to say 3 words "I Love You." We had to tell pur parents that and then had to report back to Dr. Meyer on Thursday about our phone calls. Even though this was a meteorology class, Dr. Meyer wanted family to come first.

I had to work that night...we were tearing apart the newsroom at NewsChannel5. I went into the newsroom to see "Attack on America" written in huge letters across the assignment board...that's all...no reporters or photogs assigned to a story. Everyone had a story related to the efforts of 9/11.

The day Bush declared War on Iraq, I was in New York. We walked by Ground Zero and I remembered my trip back in 1994. I just happened to go up to the observation deck at the WTC (I don't remember which one) and took a few pics of NYC at night. Unfortunately, they didn't turn out, but I still have my memories of looking down at Manhattan from the WTCs. As for the trip to NYC in March of 2003, I was in tears when we walked through Ground Zero on the enclosed sidewalk...it was a eerie moment that one horrible event brought the towers down to rubble. One building still stands today reminding the onlookers of the horror on 9/11 Although there is a tarp over the side of this particular building, the damage can still be seen by the naked eye. Memorial Street Signs, giant murals on buildings bring tears to our eyes. T-shirts with ribbons around the WTC are purchased on a daily basis by tourists...I know I have mine. 9/11 is a day that will live on in history.
0 likes   

User avatar
vbhoutex
Storm2k Executive
Storm2k Executive
Posts: 29113
Age: 73
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2002 11:31 pm
Location: Cypress, TX
Contact:

#20 Postby vbhoutex » Tue May 27, 2003 1:01 am

Wow!! Powerful and I think appropriate topic Miss Mary!!

It indeed is a day I shall never forget!!! I vividly remember the first thing I heard on my way to work when they announced on the radio that a small plane of some sort had flown into one of the WTC towers. A few minutes later when I arrived at work my secretary asked if I had heard and said yes, they said a small plane and she said NO it was a 767 and I freaked. I turned on my computer and immediately had IM's from several people about it. At the time HurricaneBob lived in Tampa very close to the air base President Bush was at when it happened and he kept me abreast of what was going on there. Once the second plane hit I called home and told my wife to "turn on the TV, The US is under attack", which I was sure we were at that time. To top it off our "second daughter"(a very close friend of our daughter)was working at the WTC at that time(or so we thought) and would have been there when it happened!! I was frantic trying to call her, email her, etc. I was leaving messages everywhere and even went through sources in Thailand that had ties in NYC with information access trying to find her! fortunately she had changed jobs and had not been on her usual routine that day, which still would have had her on a train directly under the towers when the first one came down. Even worse for me, besides watching the towers fall was finding out later that a friend had lost his sister, brother-in-law and favorite niece on the 2nd plane into the towers!! I sat at my computer and bawled then as I did on 9/11.
I had a terrible empty feeling from 9/11 that would not go away. I had a "need" to go to NYC and "help". The Lord works in the most mysterious of ways and in November of 2001 I was invited to go to NYC with a choir to sing at Carnegie Hall as "a gift to the people of NY". I had no way of paying for the trip at the time, but I was determined it would happen and it did because I worked enough overtime in the next 4 months to pay for it! The first night there a group of us went to "Ground Zero". The memorial lights were still lit, in fact it was the last night they were to be up. An awesome sight indeed. When we arrived at the site I was overwhelmed by all the memorials on the fence around the church adjacent to the site. But nothing prepared me to walk to the back of the church and see an open chasm where two proud towers had once stood. I stood there and cried my eyes out at the thought of the thousands that had died and sacrificed their lives there. The next day after rehearsals, I was fortunate enough to be able to me Raine in the city and tour some of the city with her and her sister. We also visited the site again and left a message for all to see from the TWC Pot bellied stove crew, lit a candle and said a prayer. Again it was a very moving experience.
Yes it hits me often and I pray every time it hits me, like when I see a picture with the towers in it, or a picture of the city with nothing where the towers should be.
And good did come out of that TERRIBLE TRAGEDY!! America did regain it's sense of a true National identity and renewed patriotism. And hopefully when it is all over we will have at least put a huge dent in terrorism worldwide if we can not wipe out the cowards that commit atrocities in the name of their God!!
0 likes   
Skywarn, C.E.R.T.
Please click below to donate to STORM2K to help with the expenses of keeping the site going:
Image


Return to “Off Topic”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests