story2677.xml

story2677.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was at home, waking up to have a cup of coffee. My mother came running into the kitchen, saying the most incredulous things about the WTC, The Pentagon, The Capital, it's all gone, she said. Half awake, I turned on the TV, and I will never forget what I saw. It was too big for me...too incredible. I ran upstairs to wake my husband, because I knew this was something I could not deal with alone. You see, I was born and raised in NY. Even though I live in California now, NY is inside of me, in my heart and in every bone in my body. My heart ached so badly for New York, and so badly for the nation. Just when I thought I'd seen the worst, it got even more devestating. As I watched in helpless horror, the towers crumbling, the dust, the papers, the screams, the blood, the absolute soul of New York was being crushed by some unknown reaper, yet to be named. Days and months of tears followed. Uncertainty, fear, deep sadness. Emotions that were untouchable and indescribable. My City was injured, yet I knew, just as sure as I breathe, that my City would recover, rebound, and be stronger than ever. I knew it in my soul that of any place in the United States, New York could and would weather this unthinkable crime against it's core. Now, one year later, it's all still so fresh, and the sadness is remembered once again. But just as I knew one year ago that New York would not fall, today is proof that I was right. And the nation is stronger and better and even more determined to conquer the evil that has come, with diginity, braveness, and with every fiber that makes us Americans.