i was a freshmen in high school in 3rd period english with mrs. carswell.
i was called to the main office and was asked to call my mom.
she wanted to let me know that my dad was okay.
she explained to me what had happened and kept assuring me, he was okay.
you see, my father did business with cantor fitzgerald a firm located at one world trade.
he was going there for business that morning, and just happened to be late.
to this day, i still struggle understanding fate and luck and gods will.
i am blessed and grateful beyond belief to know that my dad came home that night.
i remember not grasping what she had said, knowing it was horrible and crazy of course
but no words could paint the picture.
i remember walking back down to class and i just sat there stone faced and afraid.
i didn't say a word to anyone. i knew i wasn't to be the bearer of this information.
4th period came rolling around and my school made an official announcement.
( i was in lunch)
all you could worry about normally was
not waiting on the long lines and finding a table with your friends.
to be honest with you it was all a blur to me from that point on.
my first week in high school, in this cafeteria filled with so many people.
i remember it being loud, i don't remember chaos, i just remember an eerie feeling.
all i wanted to do was go home...
when i got there i put on the tv and remember not moving, for hours.
waiting for things that just never came,
not knowing how to understand that there is such evil in the world.
whether it be 12 minutes, 12 days or 12 years later
that emotion and somberness still comes over me.
as i know it does for many. i am older now
and i have seen the world i live in change FOREVER.
while nothing can ever be the way it was, we must always remember and stand tall.
we can remember the bravery, courage and humanity shown that day
and how we as a country must remain united as one.
remember those who were lost and all those who are living without them.
those who took the call that day not knowing it would be their last
and those who STILL fight today for our freedom.
i am proud to know so many heroes, family and friends who protect and serve.
i am so proud to be a new yorker.
i am a proud american.
and i will never forget
<3 <3
