I was 24 years old as I sat early one morning on the couch in Reston, VA eating breakfast and watching the news. The breaking news headlines spoke about an explosion at the World Trade Center. As I was watched I remember thinking to myself that this must have been caused by some type of mechanical error. I hoped that everyone around would be alright but never imagined that the end results would be catastrophic.
Then the second plane hit.
It was as if I was watching a movie. I yelled at the TV and wondered if the reporter realized what was going on behind him, if anyone else was seeing exactly what I was witnessing and if so why they weren’t doing anything about it. At around 9:40 am, news flashed up that nearby the Pentagon had also been hit. It was honestly too much to take in all at once. I had friends who were working in both locations and I wasn’t able to get in touch with anyone.
Shortly after there was news of a plane down in Pennsylvania. Destruction was happening all around and no one had any idea of what was going to happen next.
Everyone knows how the rest of the day and days to come unfolded from there. This was an event that changed history and all of our lives. There are probably few people in the country that weren’t personally affected in some way by these tragic events. While the destruction and loss of life were beyond comprehension something great did emerge from the debris that day. The spirit of the American People was revitalized!
Neighbors were helping neighbors, strangers didn’t hesitate to lend a hand to someone they had never met, families grew stronger and everyone realized just how fragile life is and how lucky we are to be living it.
It’s hard to believe that this happened 10 years ago today…
Nolin , unfortunately your world will be forever changed by these events. As a father, I hope that as you grow up the joy and innocence that you so proudly display, will be reflected just as brightly with your entire generation. I pray that we leave the world a better place for you and that you do the same for your children.
And that one day you wont have to reflect back on how your world completely changed 10 years earlier.
Our Modern Family 