story6962.xml

story6962.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-13

Words can not express the dismay I felt while driving to work on 9/11/01 when I heard the radio reports. At frist I thought that it was a hoax, a horrible attempt at bad humor. Upon arrival at work, being the only one in the office that AM I turned on the radio again and heard the reports coming in from all over. My husband and I had just made our first trip to NYC in April of 2001. We had taken pictures from atop the WTC and in the windows of the upper floor. I could not fathom such a building being hit with an aircraft and the damage, the people that it was affecting. Stunned I remembered my husband had taken the BART system early this AM to San Francisco to meet with an attorney with a partner to discuss and sign new papers for their new business venture. They were to meet right next to the Bank of America building. My heart sank as I realized if San Francisco were hit, he could be in danger.
We however were fortunate. Fear and tears for the people who were trapped were constant that day. I will never forget the anguish and loss I felt for so many who risked their lives to help others. I will never forget the scene which unfolded through pictures as the days ensued. I will never again take for granted the freedom I hold dear to live my life as I choose. I know that I will never feel the loss of the thousands who never saw their loved ones again, but as a nation I know that we all pulled together and held our heads high, and we will over come.
Lauren A. Womack