Thursday, September 12, 2013

Remembering 9/11

Many people posting online yesterday about 9/11 memories. I had the chance to ponder it in my night class for ELP, and realized that that particular event in history may be why I'm such a nervous flyer.

I was in 6th grade. Rose Park Elementary was have their 50yr Celebration because our new building would be ready for us to be in for January. It was a Tuesday, 60's day, and my brother's and I spent all morning making these really neat hippie wigs made out of yarn. I was wearing my favorite light blue and pink tye-dyed t-shirt and bell bottoms.

Ms. Pugmire had the TV on when we arrived in class. It was so out of the ordinary, and I didn't really even understand what was happening. I remember the video clips, and red the fire was in the explosions. I remember watching the building fall, and thinking, "What are the people in NYC thinking as they watch this?"

I kept thinking about the hatred people would need to feel in order to commit an act like this. Was life really that horrible that this was the only option to make a difference or prove a point? How could anyone be so hateful and angry that they would do something so heinous?

Ironically, Ms. Pugmire had spoken of her memory of when JFK was shot early that year. She had said that when horrible historical events happen, you remember everything about that day. Boy, was she right.

I think about 9/11 every now and then, mostly when I set foot on a plane. I wonder what the last words i spoke to my mom were. Did I tell her I loved her? Did I call my little cousins and tell them as well? Did I say goodbye to everyone before I went to the airport?

9/11 will never be forgotten.