story5682.xml

story5682.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-11

I was answering the phones that morning. Our small private school day had just started, and most of the Administrators and staff were in the main office. I answered a call around 8:30. It was my adult daughter who said, "Mom, two planes have just crashed into the World Trade Center Towers!" I said, "Monica, oh Monica, what are you saying? What has happened???"

Because my daughter was at that time eight months pregnant, everyone standing there was immediately alert. I am sure their first thoughts were of my daughter and the baby. She repeated the news, and I turned to those in the office and told them what she had said.

Of course, all of us were stunned and speechless. At that point terrorism was only speculation but fairly strong speculation. Suddenly everyone began moving, looking for something to do--but what does one do!?! Within minutes we began receiving non-stop calls and fielding parental concerns. One mother even brought a television to the office for us to follow the story.

Somehow, I was the one answering the phone most of the morning, and somehow I was able to speak coherently to try to reassure parents that their children were safe with us.
Later that morning the Administrators made the older students (above fourth grade) and the staff aware of the situation, and an excellent letter was prepared to send home with all students that day.

My grieving came today. I guess because I did not have time to process it September 11, 2001. It took a year for it to "hit" me. May we never forget what evil men can do!!!