I remember...

...the beautiful crystal clear September day.

...getting to work early to conduct an interview.

...my coworker coming in saying she thought something was happening downtown.

...my initial reaction to keep her calm and try not to cause panic.

...the additional reports from coworkers that a small plane hit one of the Twin Towers.

...the guy I was interviewing asking to be excused because his girlfriend worked down there and he wanted to find her.

...rushing to the southern facing window in my office building on 17th Street between 7th & 8th Aves. and seeing the most awful sight my eyes had ever fell upon.

...watching in horror as things flew from the tower.

...watching the second plane bank a hard turn and fly straight into the second tower.

...witnessing the first tower topple like a house of cards.

...the billow of black smoke that grew and spread, trailing off over the skyline.

...the fear of the unknowing what was happening.

...the thought of getting somewhere safe.

...walking thru city streets, the look of terror on people's faces, dust settled over their bodies and people walking uptown while buses carrying fire fighters and emergency vehicles screamed past heading toward the destruction.

...feeling scared and frightened at what was going on around me, tears streaming down my face thinking about being so close to it.

...people on the street just giving away bottles of water to people walking uptown as just a small gesture of good will toward man.

...feeling the tightness of New Yorkers coming together in a time if distress and helping complete strangers make their way home.

...finally feeling like I was relieved and a little bit more safe when I met up with my father-in-law and brother-in-law at their office uptown and was in a friend's work van heading home.

...using my Nextel Direct Connect to alert friends and family I was ok and unharmed.

...ripping my linen pants in the work van I was in and thinking, it just doesn't matter, I just want to be home.

...finally after 11 hours of trying to get out of the city, arriving at my husband's parents apartment and running into his arms.

...finally watching the continuous coverage in the confines of my husband's room and seeing exactly what was going on.

...laying there, eyes unable to close, mind unable to shut down, still shaking in fear.

...being sleepless that first night.

...returning to work in the days following, emerging from the subway and noticing an eery feeling hang in the air.
8
...going to Bear Mountain the following weekend and seeing the rising smoke from all those miles away.

...and I will never forget.

To those who lost their lives 10 years ago and those who risk their lives for us everyday...I remember and pray for you. God Bless You.