In Memory

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. We lived on the West Coast so we were still asleep when it happened. The phone rang and I grabbed it since no one normally calls us that early. It was my sister. I started walking down the stairs so I wouldn't wake up my husband. She goes, "I had to call someone. Mom didn't answer. It's so terrible." I'm terrified that something has happened to her and go, "What's wrong?" She goes "You don't know? Oh My God, Two planes crashed into the twin towers. They collapsed. There is nothing left."

For the first time in my life reality surpassed anything my imagination could think of. Thoughts of car crashes, sickness where totally erased by complete shock. I collapsed half way down the stairs and just sat there in shock. After that I don't remember a single word of the conversation. I know we consoled each other. I remember turning on the tv in disbelief and watching the pictures play. I remember my mother-in-law calling in a panic because my sister-in-law took the subway under the towers every morning. I remember finally reaching my sister-in-law hours later and finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Today is in memory of those who perished and those who's lives were touched. Today I think of my friend who didn't celebrate his birthday that year. Of my step mother-in-law who had to run from the cloud of dust as the towers collapsed. Of my grandfather who's retirement party was at the restaurant on top of the tower and who's heart was broken that day. Of skies that were eerily quiet. Of the shock when the first plane flew over my head again. Mostly I think of all those we lost and send them and their loved ones a prayer of support.