Sunday, September 11, 2011

Remembrance

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This day forever changed us.

I remember exactly where I was 10 years ago on 9/11. I had walked into my office about 8:50 am and a few people were gathered around a television in the conference room. The first plane had hit the north tower a few minutes earlier. I stood there and watched in horror for the next hour and a half as the second plane hit the south tower and as both buildings eventually crumbled. I left work a few moments later and luckily J & I worked only a few blocks apart at the time and we found each other on the street.

We ended up walking 3 miles home to our apartment. It was the longest, scariest walk I ever took. There were fighter jets overhead and we had no idea if another plane was going to hit. We walked by the Empire State building in sheer terror.

Once we got back to our apartment which once had a gorgeous view of the towers all we saw was the billowing black smoke that remained. We stayed in the city that night, there was no way out, as all public transportation and the bridges and tunnels were closed. The smoke and scent of death began to creep into our apartment and the next morning we left the city to stay at Js parents house.

We returned from the city many days later to an apartment still filled with that stench. The site burned for months. I can still remember that smell to this day.

It's a time I will never ever forget. All the innocent and brave men & women that were lost. It still seems unreal.

I now have a view of the beautiful Freedom Tower that stands at the site where the Towers once stood. It's a symbol of hope, freedom and strength and I feel incredibly fortunate to get to look at that every morning when I wake up.

We will never forget.
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23 comments:

LimePalmtree said...

We will always remember.

S said...

Oh, my gosh. Amazing story. Never forget!

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

never never... heart touching Dawn, thanks for sharing your memories

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

never never... heart touching Dawn, thanks for sharing your memories

Anonymous said...

I cannot imagine how it must have been to be in NY on that day!

I was at my brother's house when my 2 y.o. daughter got a hold of the remote control and turned on the TV. First I just looked and thought to myself, 'what film is that they're showing'. I didn't see 'live' in the corner until later and watched in horror when the second plane hit.

Hugs from Antwerp

Unknown said...

Oh Dawn, I cannot even imagine how terrorizing that must've been to be so close! We were scheduled to be on the flight that was the exact one that went down from Dulles to LAX, but on 9/12. Instead we were flying from Milan to Amsterdam and didn't find out until the bellman told us in the elevator. We thought he was kidding at first and then spent the next few days glued to the TV crying as we couldn't get out. So hard to believe it's been 10 years, I remember it so clearly.

xo Mary Jo

Teodora said...

Dawn, your words are so heart touching! Thank you for asharing your story!

Teodora

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Such a profound time for new yorkers and the world at large. I haven't been to NYC in ten years! I would like to see the memorial.

the nyanzi report said...

now that is an experience one never forgets.

Kori said...

Lovely tribute. I did one today too. Hope you have a fabulous Sunday.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway where you can win a $50 gift card to Victoria's Secret!

http://www.blondeepisodes.com/2011/09/great-news-its-back-to-school-giveaway.html

Kori xoxo

Vanisha @ Vanisha's Life in...Fiji said...

Beautiful and haunting. I'm so glad you and J were okay, I can't imagine going through what you did <3

Oh to Be a Muse said...

i have yet to see the Freedom Tower. i wish to see it next year!

STYLE'N said...

Wow so crazy isn't it? One of my friends and I were just saying that 9/11 is one of those days we will remember exactly what we were doing and where we were. I was at Boston's Logan Airport that morning just about to board a flight but of course that just didn't happen.

stylenuggets said...

So glad you chose to write about that day. I've often wondered what it was like. As a day when we all had to grow up, it will live in our collective memory.

kristina@beancakes ★ said...

yes, it's been a long time but feels like only yesterday that this tragic event took place, unfortunately. all of these victims are in my thoughts and prayers today...
xx ~ ks

Marina said...

Ten years? Can you believe that.. It feels like yesterday..

Erica said...

so sad. I was home that day but later visited WTC site with my husband, an NYPD officer. Days after the attacks, the destruction was overwhelming and hard to witness. Many heroes died that day and God received many angels. A day I will surely never forget

FASHION TALES said...

Thanks for sharing your incredible story... It's crazy that it has been 10 years, because I remember it like it just happened. I'm happy that you are able to have gratitude for being able to view the city today. What an impact on the world 9/11 had- forever we will remember that day.

classiq said...

I can not imagine how it must have been to be in New York that day. I remember I was at my parents' house and the TV was on CNN. We just stood still in front of the tv and could not believe it. It was terrifing for us there. And I saw the second plane hit live. I will never forget. What a moving post, Dawn. Thank you for sharing. xoxo
Ada

Anonymous said...

Wow-I got chills reading your story. It is still such a vivid memory. I couldn't imagine actually being in New York. Amazing post-thank you for sharing!

honey my heart said...

what an experience. i could not imagine how it would be like in nyc that morning. but i do remember seeing the events unfold on tv and how i felt. and i'll never forget.

ECLECchic said...

I perfectly remember that day. I think that for newyorkers should was one of the saddest days in your life and a horrible day for the humanity. Nasty things happened but also others wonderful in the meantime and in the same location. Lots of people gave their life for saving many others. Every day we have a lesson to learn with the hope that such horror never happens again. Hugh from Lugano ...

Samantha said...

Brooklyn Promenade. Bird's eye view. Still don't watch it on TV.

The city came back.