Remembering 9/11

[MTK]

I was working at CompUSA at the time. Someone came into the back office saying a plane flew into one of the towers. We went out on the floor to see what was going on. I think a bunch of us, customers included, stood there for hours watching everything unfold. We were watching live as the 2nd plane hit, I remember everyone's jaws dropping to the floor and some people started to cry. I just remember feeling like it was the end of the world or something. I mean you guys know how it was, it was just so unbelievable that it almost didn't feel real.

My Dad at the time worked in DC at the Dept of Agriculture so I was very concerned when I couldn't get through to him as all the phone lines were jammed up. (I found out later that day he was out of town on business and ok.)

I think when the towers fell, that's when reality really hit home. Wow, 2 skyscrapers have literally been reduced to rubble. WTF is going on?! Even to this day the footage amazes me. I remember the reports of the jumpers and literally getting sick to my stomach about it.

And I remember the confusion of the day, reports of multiple planes in the air unaccounted for, you were literally just waiting to hear the next report of another plane hitting something. What sticks with me is the bravery and courage of the first responders that day. Those that so unselfishly gave up their lives in order to try to save someone else. I don't think I'll ever look at a policeman or fireman the same. Especially whenever visiting NYC. Those are the true heroes.