When I hear the beginning lines of Alan Jackson's song I am immediately taken back to that horrible morning. We were in our hotel room at "the happiest place on Earth" with our dear friends in the adjoining room next door. We were beginning what was to be our last day in WDW before we headed out to sea for our cruise. We were running out the door but took a second to click on the TV to view the daily park schedule. I stood there in amazement, utter disbelief. Then I ran to our friends door to tell them to turn on the TV. We all sat in silence. The parks closed, we had no way home, were scheduled to board an oceanliner the following morning and an airplane on Saturday. The happiest place on earth quickly became silent as we all processed what was happening in the world around us. I was overwhelmed by fear...what would happen if someone, someone evil, decided to make the happiest place on Earth become one of the saddest. They closed the parks for that very reason and I think we all recognized it. I have never felt more relief than when they grounded every plane in our nation. Plain and simple, I wanted to go home. Not that I felt home was safe but I wanted to be home within the security of my four walls. Our parents were trying to reach us all day but the lines were jammed. I wasn't a parent at the time but I can only imagine the relief my Mother felt just to hear my voice that evening. It was a horrible day, the greatest national tragedy in our lifetime. I will never forget the look on my friend Rachel's face or watching my husband hold back tears. I will never ever forget. It bothers me that people want to forget this day and move on. If my husband had been one of the innocent people who lost their lives that day, I hope that someone would remember him seven years later. For the families that lost someone that day, I know they will never forget, and for their honor, neither will I.
Where were you when the world stopped turnin' on that September day?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Where were you?
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5 comments:
I was homeschooling my oldest child and our neighbor called and told me to turn on the TV. School ended at that very moment and I sat stunned and crying on my couch as I held my little girl.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the pat on the back. I was irritated with the anonymous poster but quickly got over it. :o) You are welcomed to use the line anytime you would like.
Great video, thanks for sharing. I was driving in the car and had just dropped Benjamin off at a my cousins to teach a writing class at Bristol Community College. The conversations with young freshmen and few details were very insightful. Their assignment for the night was to write an essay gathering as many facts about the events as possible. I still have those essays.
I was with you sister! That is something I don't think anyone can ever forget. I do remember being thankful that even though we were states away from home I was with friends and people I love--that was the comfort I relied on. Never forget...
I love that song but had never seen the video. That last picture was amazing. I can't imagine the feeling of everyone going down the steps to escape but the firemen coming up to save people. Thanks for sharing.
I was scared that day knowing you were so far away and I could not hear your voice or hold you. Mike and I called each other what seemed like a hundred times to see if either had heard from you. It was a relief when you called. But wasnt comfortable til you were both (and R & J) were home.
Love Mom
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