9/11 Remembered

I was attending Garden State Academy at the time. I had gone to breakfast that morning, but since I didn’t have a first period class I returned to my dorm room for a nap before 2^nd period. The radio was on 97.1FM (Hot 97) and I was in a half sleep, when the radio personality cut the song and said one of the Twin Towers had been hit by a plane. Of course, I thought it was one of the morning pranks and didn’t pay it any mind. I then fell asleep for what seemed like a second, to jump up and realize I was going to be late for class. As I ran through the hallway and down the steps, I slipped on the second to last step, missed the last one and landed awkwardly on my ankle (only me, I know…). As I limped to the dean’s office, I saw the television on in her office. She was so caught up in what was happening on the screen, she didn’t even see me enter the room.

I never made it class that day. The administration cancelled classes and called an emergency assembly. Everyone was crying and in a state of shock, especially my schoolmates whose parents worked in and around the WTC area and those whose parents were diplomats. I don’t have to tell you how that day ended, I’m sure you all remember, as though it happened 12 minutes and not 12 years ago.

In forgetting, we actually numb ourselves to the reality of a situation; not only with 9/11, but in other circumstances as well. Remembering on the other hand, allows us to weep, accept what has happened and permit healing to take place.

We may never truly understand why those attacks took place and why some lived and many died on that day. What we should understand, is that tomorrow is never promised and today is a gift. Love those around you, smile with a stranger, play with a child and never go to bed angry.

9/11 – We will never forget.