I worked on a post for Workout Wednesday most of last night and instead of pushing through a blinding headache, I resolved to finish the post this morning and publish later today. Before I went to sleep I remembered that today was the anniversary of 9/11/01. The post that I was working on will be further delayed because reflecting and remembering is of utmost importance today.
A symbol of strength in a time of tragedy. Image: 9/11 photos
I’m a New Yorker and I can remember the events of 9/11/01 as clear as the blue sky that canopied my city on that day. 9/11 changed my world and the entire world in so many ways.
7 months before 9/11/01, I worked across the street from the World Trade Center. I had quit my job to go back to school (to change careers and become a dietitian) but Jay and my mother-in-law worked at 32 Broadway just a few blocks from the towers.
I wasn’t in Manhattan that day but I’ll never forget being the shock and paralysis I felt being at home alone watching the television replaying the towers crumbling and falling over and over and over again. I waited in silence in my empty apartment for Jay and my mother-in-law to come home.
The majestic Brooklyn Bridge, my favorite bridge in New York, was the footpath for so many on 9/11 – Jay and my mother-in-law included. For far too long, I’ve only looked at the Brooklyn Bridge as my running path and I’ve taken for granted what an important part this bridge played in my life and the lives of so many others on 9/11.
When Jay and my mother-in-law finally came home, they were both covered in soot and exhausted. Both were silent, in shock but home safe. I’ll never forget the days following 9/11 – the fear, anger, love, camaraderie, smell of smoke and even the bits of paper flying around. The landscape of New York forever changed that day and the next time I run over my favorite bridge in the entire world I’ll make a very special effort to remember to say thank you.
My heart is heavy today –
I’m thoughtful, I’m grateful and I remember.
Image: WallyG
For my friends and family in New York City and around the world, I love you.
I can’t even imagine what you and your family were feeling at that time. Hugs across the internet.
Also, I love that bridge.
No matter where we were in the country, we all felt the shock and paralysis of that day. But for you and your family, it was especially difficult. I can’t begin to imagine your up close and personal experience. May we all #NeverForget
Every time I read a post about 9/11 today I tear up all over again. I do realize this had a tremendous effect on the country, but for those of us who have lived in NYC, it broke my heart. I wasn’t there that day, but my memories of being in the buildings and eating at Windows on the World are still so fresh in my mind. Not knowing where my brother was during all this (he was in the subway and found out about it when he surfaced and everyone was screaming and he saw the smoke) was horrible.
Wow Melissa, I can not image what you felt that day. For me being on the other side of the US it seemed so close yet so far away. The images we saw can’t ever be forgotten. much love to you and yours
xox me too.
Hugs received. Maybe one day we’ll run together over than bridge….or the Colorado Bridge (sadly, I still haven’t done it yet).
Thanks Caryn for your kind words. Living here in LA now I wonder how much different it would have been for me to not be so close by. I got a taste with Hurricane Sandy but it’s not really quite the same magnitude.
I can only imagine what it must have been like to be removed and yet have a piece of your heart (and blood) in the thick of things on that day 12 years ago. Last year it didn’t hit me as hard. Today has been surprisingly rough. Jay rarely talks about that day but 9/11 was significant for him professionally (his business took a major hit post 9/11) and while I won’t forget the day, I don’t love rehashing it either.
Thank you for sharing your feelings too. xo
…and to you my tender-hearted friend. xo
With love to you and yours today too, Christine.
So sorry for such a tough day, then, and it still is. Glad your hubs and MIL made it home safe; so sorry for all who lost a loved one that day.
Beautifully written! Such a sad, powerful day. I’m glad your loved ones made it home safe! Hugs to you!
It’s particularly hard when it’s your HOME! I was in San Diego at a business conference and had to take a bus and then rent a car to get back to CT. My father also works in the city 4 days a week. I will never forget trying to call him and shaking uncontrollably when he answered the phone. He was sobbing b/c he knew so many people in the towers. This is a great tribute. I’m feeling the love.
I’m not sure why, but this 9/11 was very rough for many people I know. I still hate talking about it. After all these years I still have a hard time processing it and I don’t have the words.
It is tough day for so many. I was very, very lucky.
Thank you Miya for your words and sentiments.
Wow, Allie. I can only imagine what this day must mean to your father. My heart goes out to him. I’m sure your schlep was a PITA as well. We all remember exactly where we were on that day. Not too many days can have that type of effect.
This was one of the first years I could talk about it and I just kind of scratched the surface. A heavy day indeed but a good reminder to be grateful for so many things we often forget to cherish.