September 12, 2009

• Where Were You?

  

  As those of us who still care for things like Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness take a moment to reflect on the tragic events of eight years ago, I thought I would take this opportunity to tell my story.

  We were still living in Susanmoore. I know that I had just started school for the day, so it must have been one of those days where we got up at 0400 to take care of the chickens. I remember dad was still in his farm clothes. He had just come from the BP and said that someone had flew a plane into one of the Twin Towers. I remember thinking that it was some kind of a joke because of the way he said it so matter-of-factly.

  He wasn’t joking.

  I don’t really remember when exactly the panic set in. I do remember calling Timon and telling him.

  We went down to Grandmother’s to watch the news and kept flipping between the news stations. I don’t remember any of the emotions I had at the time. I suppose I was still in my “we report the news” mode waiting to see what would happen next.

  There was a cameraman who was on top of one of the news buildings that they put on the air.

  I guess we all thought that the towers would be evacuated, the fires put out, damage repaired and life would go on. Then the towers fell. I was stunned.

  One of the few times that I can recall sharing outrage with my mother is when we flipped over to TBN. Why the hell mother and Grandmother thought that TBN would have anything to say other than “This is God’s judgement on America! We’re all going to hell! Send us money!” I have no clue. But I shit you not when I say they were broadcasting a special on a golf course that some church had just bought that could be used as a pastor’s retreat. They must have put a phone number on the screen because I remember mom calling them and pouring out her indignation over their choice of programing. TBN sheepishly replied that they were aware of the situation and would be changing their programming ASAP. Assholes.

  I think the fear set in as the decision was made to ground all flights except for Air Force One. The reporting then was focused on where the President was going. Panic set in on the reporting of United 93 and the plane that hit the Pentagon.

  We watched and watched the news. I remember there being a lot of concern over a fire that started in Tower 7 and how that building was expected to collapse.

  I don’t remember much about the rest of the day. I can’t remember if mom called school or not. I’m assuming not. It seems like Rush canceled his show for the day I think but I’m also having a memory of him talking politics during such an event.

  Congress was evacuated of course, though I don’t know why. It’s not like anyone would have noticed them missing.

  The last thing I remember about the day was going back to Grandmother’s (which is why I think we didn’t suspend school that day.) and watching coverage of Tower 7, and discussion with experts.

  I don’t have a sob story to tell of that day. I was safe and sound in the Heart of Dixie, thanks to the Men and Women of the Armed Forces.

  • 12:38 am
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