I remember I was watching the morning news when the first plane hit. I was confused by what I saw on the television but was looking right at it when the second hit. One of the first things that went through my mind was I was glad my dad was not here to see this. He instilled how important it was to honor our country and he served overseas in World War II to help ensure his kids were safe in their own country. This kind of terrorist attack was what he fought against. So that his kids did not have to see such atrocities as he saw fighting that war. I knew that was why he was called home in October 2001. To greet all those souls when they arrived in heaven.
I sat in front of the television and ended up late for work. I was stunned and could not have done my work no mater what I tried. My mind kept going back to the moment when I saw that second plane hit. I knew it was intentional even though my mind did not believe it. I never would have thought that twelve years later I would visit the place it happened.
I had never been to New York before, in fact I had never been on a plane before I went to my Nephew’s wedding in New Jersey in February of 2010. I had a fear of heights which carried over to being afraid of flying. My oldest sister passed away in 1998 and I have always been close with her three son’s, who are only 8 years younger than me. I grew up with them and when they were young it was like we were brothers and sister rather than nephews and aunt. When they moved to New Jersey in 2007 I was devastated. I thought for sure I would never see them again. That was until the day the oldest called me and told me he was getting married. With my sister being gone I felt it was the right thing to do, to face my fear, get on a plane, and represent my sister at his wedding.
That first plane ride was one of the scariest things I have ever done. But I did it and it didn’t kill me so I returned in July to see the younger nephew who had the lead role in a play. I stayed a couple of weeks and they insisted they take me to New York. Now I had no desire to go to the city, in fact it scared the hell out of me, but I played along. I did not know what to expect other than all the really tall buildings and lots of people. I hate crowds and had a horrible fear of this big city. Lets just say that TV does not always portray New York as a safe place to go. That first trip conquered my flying fear and reminded me of how safe I always felt with my nephews around me.
The middle nephew had to be away from home in September of 2011 so I went back to New Jersey for a couple of months to help out with his teenaged kids. While I was there my niece had gotten tickets to see the 9/11 memorial and invited me along. I was excited and scared. Of course it is scary going to a place which had so much devastation. I was not sure if I was going to be able to handle all the pain the site held.
I have to admit it was an experience I would do again. I was afraid that I would feel the terror the hero’s felt when they perished. I found that the memorial was an eerily peaceful place. Yes I cried a few tears but I don’t feel like the people’s souls who were murdered still remain in this place. I was amazed at all the different nationalities that were represented there. All of us there to show our respect to those who lives were sacrificed.
It is really a peaceful place. It is unexpectedly quiet and serene, but at the same time commands respect. I found a bench and sat down to take it all in. It was a warm day and as I sat I felt a cold breeze pass hitting first my legs and then my arms causing goose pimples. I feel it was the angels who reassured me the souls are not trapped but have made it to the other side in record time.
The two big water features are amazing and they bring about a calm sense to the area. The noise from the fountains drowns out the noise from the city. You can’t help being touched by the memories this sacred place holds. It certainly is a touching tribute to those who fell that day, September 11, 2001, a day I will never forget.
© notsofancynancy 2012
I am so relieved to read this because I haven’t seen anything else today that honours this day – thank you.
By: jmgoyder on September 11, 2013
at 5:15 am
Thank you so much. I will never forget and always honor these hero’s.
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 7:16 am
So well stated Nancy. My Father also fought for our Freedoms during WWII – USMC, 6th Division – Guadalcanal & Okinawa. He lived to see the attacks of 911. They sickened and angered him until the day he passed during the Christmas season of 2009. “I’d fight and kill the SOBs myself” he told me at his home in St. Joseph, MO. They are the Greatest Generation, true, but we have many great patriots today, even if they go unnoticed some times. God Bless America. Thanks for the lovely post.
By: gooseguts on September 11, 2013
at 5:24 am
Thank you so much and God Bless your father for his service. I am sure that Dad would have said the same. It was how they rolled!
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 7:19 am
Beautiful reflections. Thank you.
By: Chatter Master on September 11, 2013
at 5:39 am
Thank you!
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 7:19 am
Well written Nancy. I am sitting here watching a remembrance of this tragic time in our history as I write this.
By: LuAnn on September 11, 2013
at 6:16 am
Thank you LuAnn. We must never forget!
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 7:20 am
My father-in-law, also a WWII veteran (Philippines) passed in January 2001. I feel the same way about his not seeing this atrocity against mankind. This day is emblazoned in my mind. I was working on telephone equipment on that morning when the attacks occurred. I was shocked and angered–so much so, that I ripped out the part I was working on.
By: warturoadam77p on September 11, 2013
at 6:32 am
I was so stunned I could not think. That night I went outside and for the first time saw no planes in our sky and the world was quiet. Weird but something I will never forget.
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 7:22 am
Wonderfully written memorial and tribute… Yes, Lefty would be so upset with how things are turning out… This war has lasted 3 times as long as our involvement in WWII and no end is in sight.
By: Mustang.Koji on September 11, 2013
at 10:49 am
Thank you Mustang Koji! It really means a lot! no end in sight and more on the table. It is a sad state of affairs.
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 11:24 am
Such a personal story, for each of us, and you’ve shared yours with compassion, Nancy. Such lovely photos of a sacred scar. I hope to see the memorial before long. I’ve not been since 9-11. I will.
By: Three Well Beings on September 11, 2013
at 11:38 am
Thank you it is an emotional day.
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 1:02 pm
Wonderful heartfelt work Thanks Nancy
By: nutsfortreasure on September 11, 2013
at 12:10 pm
Thanks for reading!
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 1:03 pm
I do read your posts sometimes the reader lets me answer other times the computer freezes but I always try to stop and see what you are up to 🙂
By: nutsfortreasure on September 11, 2013
at 1:23 pm
Awesome and I understand about the reader. More than often it will not let me comment!
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 1:42 pm
I hate it 😦
If I can like now and again you will see I am still here. If I get onto a good computer I post 5+ things 🙂
By: nutsfortreasure on September 11, 2013
at 1:51 pm
🙂
By: notsofancynancy on September 11, 2013
at 2:27 pm